How to Create Complex Characters

Conventional advice on writing “fully-fleshed” characters demands that the writer must know their characters fully and thoroughly. They must know how the character spends their free time, why the character likes this or dislikes that, and, most importantly, they must know what the character wants from life. While it sounds reasonable to have this knowledge, is it really necessary? Could knowing too much actually restrain a character’s depth and development? In this seminar we will investigate these questions and challenge the typical framing of what makes a character complex with readings, discussion and writing prompts.

The class caters to fiction writers at all levels and aims to help come up with new characters or unlock ideas for deepening previously written ones.

Class Format

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. 

Covid-19 Update: 

GrubStreet's space will be mask optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in-person.

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.