MFA205 Developing Characters

MFA205 Developing Characters

Facilitated by Karen

We must take our characters from their sketchy, shadowy beginnings and make them come alive. For a character to be convincing, what's on the page must somehow evoke knowledge that extends beyond what's strictly visible. Readers must feel a certain empathy so that a character's actions seem both unique and understandable. In a story, what's invisible must hulk like a shadow, informing the visible, supporting it. In some true sense, allowing it to be. This is sometimes call the iceberg theory of character.

This course is based on the recommended text, Creating Fiction, edited by Associated Writing Programs president, Julie Checkoway. It is a superb collection of advice and essays written by notable writing teachers and writers. Key points and quiz questions are by Donna Sunbald. All key points and summaries are derived from the text in part or in whole. The text is no longer in print as of 4-26-2015, but used copies are availalbe through Amazon:  Creating Fiction: Instructions and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs

We begin in the Class Room. Please introduce yourself and let us know you're here. This is where you will post assignments and comment on each other's work. You'll find a study notes, writing assignments and reading assignments. Assignments are due in one week. Please share comments with each other by the end of week two.

Classroom