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

1st 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

• utgrowth 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
• r 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