A masterclass in characterisation with Sophie Mackintosh

This online workshop is part of our new, exciting range of digital masterclasses that we are offering. In this live online workshop, you will have the opportunity to engage in real time with our brilliant course tutors, as well as other participants – with additional pre and post-course support from our learning team. To celebrate the launch, we are offering a very limited supply of introductory early bird tickets for each event, discounted up to 25% – once they’re gone, they’re gone!

What makes an effective character study? Why do some characters feel so authentic that you remember them like an old friend, and relate to others as total strangers? Is it because they are familiar or remote, their lives feel lived-in, or their dialogue fizzes off the page? Do they act strangely, or secretly, or are they the funniest person in the room?

The most unforgettable characters are, to put it simply, those who have been written well. Whether we like them or hate them, they feel real to us, and if you want your future piece of creative writing to connect with your readers, your characters need to be fully fleshed out.

In this virtual writing masterclass with Sophie Mackintosh, the Booker-nominated author of The Water Cure and Blue Ticket, you will unpack what makes a character compelling, and how to bring depth and complexity to their backstories and behaviour in ways that ensure your story shimmers with captivating moments. You will also learn about how to get to know the core of your characters, and how to use their motivations to steer your narrative.

Whether you’re in the early planning stage of your writing journey, or are feeling a little stuck a few drafts in, this interactive workshop will equip you with the writing techniques to breathe life into your characters, and leave you feeling confident and assured in their ability to carry your story through to the final draft.

Course content

  • Explore what makes an effective character study, and why readers respond to some characters more than others

  • Understand how a character’s voice, thoughts and actions can be used to move a story forward

  • How to write narration and dialogue in a range of voices

  • Writing techniques to bring depth and credibility to characters

You will be sent a link to the webinar 1hr before the start time of 3pm (BST).

Tutor profile

Sophie Mackintosh is a writer based in London. Her debut novel The Water Cure was longlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize, and won a Betty Trask award. Her second novel, Blue Ticket, was published in 2020.

You will be sent a link to the webinar 1hr before the start time of 3pm (BST).

Details

Date: Sunday 27 September 2020
Times:
3pm-5.30pm (BST)
Price: Early bird discounted price of £36 (plus £2.24 booking fee); standard price of £45 (plus £2.65 booking fee)
Event capacity: 60

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

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Information on Guardian Masterclasses

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Returns policy
Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.