Key point: character is how you get the readers, plot is how you - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Key point: character is how you get the readers, plot is how you keep them.

• the great-souled hero • archetypes • complex characters • developing minor characters • the Twilight Zone final plot twist • writers’ work • questions

The 1 st rule in creating advanced characters is advanced characters have bigger weaknesses and they also have bigger strengths.

1 st advanced character technique: advanced storytelling often uses the “great-souled hero.”

Start with an archetype, then make them a unique individual.

Key trick for individualizing the archetype: 1. find the deep weakness inherent in the archetype 2. make it specific to your character

Complex character = contradictions, both psychological and moral

Problem: how do you make the minor characters contribute to building the story?

Step 1. check that each minor character is a variation of the hero’s central problem.

Step 3. be sure to identify the set up scene and payoff scene for each.

Technique 2. the plot flip is an outgrowth of the hero’s weakness.

Assignment for next class IF YOU ARE WRITING SCENES FOR YOUR STORY: 1. write the next three scenes in the story where there is dialogue Be sure to start by listing the premise in 1 line 2. write your hero’s weakness in 1 line 3. write the endpoint of your hero’s character change, In other words, his or her self-revelation

Assignment for next class IF YOUR STORY IS AT ANY OTHER STEP OF THE WRITING PROCESS 4. follow the instructions for that month’s assignment 5. send in any question you have about story in general or about your story in particular

Caution: don’t skip a step in the writing process! For each new story idea, start with the Premise assignment and work through the steps in order.

Remember: hand in only 1 assignment at a time.

Next class: Wednesday, February 21