Getting to Know Your Characters, Collaboratively (ages 13-18)

Are you looking to craft rich, complex, compelling characters that drive your story? Would you like to explore revolutionary methods to effectively do so? Do you enjoy working collaboratively? Or, are you interested in learning how peer collaboration can benefit your character writing? Well, then this class is for you!

Knowing your characters well will allow them to guide the plot intuitively. In order to create fully fleshed out characters, we’ll try experimental and collaborative methods of uncovering their rich complexities. One of our activities will be watching interviews of writers such as Daniel Kwan, writer of “Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)” and Octavia Butler “Parable of the Sower (1993),” to understand both their character writing and collaborative writing processes. We will also respond to speed-dating style prompts, created collaboratively with other classmates. You and your character get to know each other, while getting to know your peers and their characters! We will take time to write scenes using our newfound understanding of our characters. Then, as a group, we’ll take time to read aloud and share about our scenes, and exchange feedback.

Students will leave with new scenes and necessary insight into character development and collaborative writing through unconventional techniques, guided discussions, and peer feedback! For writers age 13 – 18 ONLY.