How To Write A Novel - Part Two - Creating Characters

Suitable for all levels of writers

Character development is one of the most enjoyable parts of fiction writing as well as being one of the most important elements of your novel. Characters are what will get your readers to invest in your story and they are often the thing that is remembered long after the end is reached. So it’s important that you get them right.

This course will help you to get to know your characters as well as you know yourself. This will make writing your book so much easier as you will know how they will behave throughout the trials and tribulations you set for them.

The Course

The first module you look at the protagonist and the types of character arcs they can follow.

In the second module you start to get to know your characters using a character profile.

Module three provides you with several techniques to learn about your characters in-depth.

The final module is all about different ways in which you can introduce your characters to your readers that will bring them to life on the page.

Please Note: This is the second course in our series of six on How To Write A Novel. If you feel you have already done this sort of preparation then click here to find out more about the rest of the series.

Exercises And Assignments

Throughout the course you have six exercises to work through to help you create memorable characters. At the end of modules three and four there are assignments to complete which you submit for constructive feedback from your tutor.

Course Outcomes

Once you complete your course you will have your protagonist worked out and be able to introduce them to your readers in an interesting and engaging way.

Included With Your Course

For the duration of your course you will have access to The Writers Bureau's Writers' Community and free Zoom sessions where you can meet other writers and ask questions.

Trial Period And Time Limit

You have your course on seven-day trial and four months from the date you enrol to send in your assignments. Your course materials are available as soon as your payment has been successful.

No Qualifications Required To Enrol

If you want to develop memorable characters for your novel, then this course is for you. It is suitable for all levels of writers including beginners. No previous experience or qualifications are required.

Enrol Today

There are no fixed start dates so you can begin straight away. So, enrol today and start to create characters that will stay in your readers minds for a long time.
Enrol Now For £99

Course Tutor

Phil Busby

A playwright, singer-songwriter and author, Phil works in course development for The Writers Bureau, Manchester. Originally a psychiatric nurse, he studied Theatre at Dartington College of Arts before working across Europe for ten years as a performer, writer and workshop leader. Phil is a co-founder of Budding Writers.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome to your How To Write A Novel - Part One - Starting Points

    2. WB's Writers' Community

    3. Totum Student Discount Card – UK Students Only

    4. Discounted Writing Magazine Subscription For WB Students

    5. Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

    1. How To Get The Most Out of Your Course - Study Tips

    2. How To Download Your Course Modules

    3. AI Policy

    1. Introduction

    1. Module One – The Protagonist: the protagonist explained, exercise one, transformation and the protagonist, the positive arc, the negative arc, the flat arc, exercise two.

    1. Module Two – Character Profiles: character profile explained, outline of character profile.

    2. Character Profile - Downloadable Word Document

    1. Module Three – Getting To Know Your Characters: basing characters on real people, prose and cons, character questionnaires, example questionnaire, seven stages of life, family trees and floor plans.

    2. Assignment One - Getting To Know Your Characters

About this course

  • £99.00
  • 2 Tutor-marked Assignments
  • 7-Day Trial
  • Time Limit: 4 months

Skills & Equipment Needed To Take This Course

  • Ideal For Beginners

    No qualifications or previous experience needed.

  • Computer

    You'll need access to a laptop or computer with word processing facilities and internet connection.

  • Typing

    You don’t need to be able to touch type; plenty of people get along fine with just two fingers.

  • Receive Email

    Notifications of when your assignments have been marked and community events are sent to you by email.

Enrol now to start creating characters that your readers will remember.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

This course is run in partnership with 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau'.

 

1. 'The Writers Bureau' and 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau' Pledge: For the fees quoted 'The Writers Bureau' and 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau' will supply the full course and all the services described on our website.

2. Course Cancellation: If you wish to cancel your course you must let us know within 7-days of enrolling on your course for a full refund providing you have not submitted an assignment. Submission of an assignment commits you to the course. Course cancellations after the initial trial period are at the discretion of 'The Writers Bureau' and 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau' and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

3. Time Limit: This agreement lasts for four months. If you wish to extend your studies beyond this time, an extra charge will be made for administration, assessment of assignments, access to the online course materials and community.

4. Copyright: This course is protected by copyright. You agree not to copy, reproduce or broadcast the course or part of the course and not to allow any other person to read or use the course or any portion of it nor offer it for re-sale in any way whatsoever.

5.  Rights of 'The Writers Bureau' and 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau': 'The Writers Bureau' and 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau' reserves the right to refuse to accept any applications for enrolment. We also reserve the right to discontinue the course or tuition for any student if they become abusive in any way.

6. Writers' Community and Zoom sessions: You agree to abide by the guidelines set out here when you participate in the community and Zoom sessions.

7. Your Data Rights: 'The Writers Bureau' and 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau' do not share your information with any other person or organisation except as required by UK law. All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent unauthorised access to this information. This safeguard may require you to provide additional forms of identity should you wish to obtain information about your account details. You can have the information 'The Writers Bureau' and 'Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau' holds corrected or deleted at any time. Please address your requests and/or queries to [email protected]

Where Your Data Is Stored: We use Spotler as our emailing system and your details are stored therein. We use Stripe or PayPal to process your card payments so your details are stored therein. Your details and progress through your course are stored on our website and internal database. Please see our Cookie and Privacy Policy on our website for full information on how we track your use of the website.