Crafting Unforgettable Characters: The Nitty-Gritty of Character Creation

Every reader can name characters who have stayed with them long after they've finished the book. But how do you turn a vague idea into a living breathing persona on the page?

Whether you’re writing your very first story or drafting your fifth novel, this interactive workshop dives straight into the engine room of character development. Learn the practical, actionable mechanics that transform flat stereotypes into compelling, fully-rounded figures your readers will adore (or love to hate!)

What We’ll Cover

• The Spark: How to take a single concept, visual, or trait and expand it into a complete character blueprint.

• Flaws, Wants, & Needs: Unpacking internal conflict to create genuine depth, agency, and drive.

• Values and Beliefs:  Mapping out what your character stands for, their moral compass, and the deeply held beliefs that drive their actions.

• Voice & Physicality: Making your characters distinct through dialogue, body language, and subtext.

• The "Nitty-Gritty" Toolkit: Practical exercises to test your character under pressure and reveal who they really are.

Meredith Jaffe - MidCoast Festival of Stories - Tea Gardens - MidCoast Libraries