About the course

A two-week course on creating believable and three-dimensional characters.

From Mrs. Haversham to Shuggie Bain, good characters are the driving force of great fiction, they are the reason we turn the page. They intrigue us, we fall in love with them and despite their flaws, we cheer them on through life’s trials and tribulations.

We will explore practical ways to build a character using writing exercises, short readings and prompts. You will create a character profile and learn to move away from stereotypes and popular tropes. In the second session, you’ll deepen your understanding of your character, how they interact with the plot, and their underlying driving forces. You’ll experience character creation as both a reader and writer, and will be encouraged to share your own work as well as give feedback to your peers.

Who is it for?

Underrepresented writers—those who face barriers due to mental health issues, physical health/disability, sensory impairment, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, substance misuse, survivors, working class backgrounds, those from the LGBTQIA+ community, and/or from Black, Asian, traveller, mixed heritage or other global majority backgrounds.

About the tutor

Michelle Porter is a working class writer and teacher from South East London and a past winner of the Creative Future Gold Prize for prose. Since graduating from the University of Sussex, she has worked as a copy and article writer and has published several short stories. Michelle is also co-founder of the Small Story Cabaret, a pop-up live literature event showcasing established and emerging talent. She has recently completed her debut novel Not Moving to Eastbourne and is currently working on a collection of short stories Sex, Magic, and Pearl Buttons.

Dates

Wednesdays 22 & 29 March 2023

Time

6 –8 pm

Cost

£20/£10 concessions

We have introduced fees for some workshops to stretch our resources. The more bookings we receive at full price, the more opportunities we can offer. Concessionary tickets are available for those on benefits, unemployed or on low wages. We do not ask for proof that you qualify. We also have current/upcoming workshops at lower booking fees—please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date.

Please do not book if you’re already registered for one of our other online sessions—we want to ensure everyone has an opportunity to take part.

If the workshop is full, you can sign up for the waiting list by emailing us here.