Fiction Writing: Character

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Course Details

  • Location: Online
  • Duration: 9 weeks
  • Times: Evenings
  • Cost : $945

Next Start Date:

April 8, 2025

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About this Course


Great characters are one of the most important elements of fiction — figures who are believable, authentic, interesting and worthy of sympathy. In the first half of this course we’ll work on building character profiles, then look at how effective characters can be impacted by staging, drama and dialogue. In the second part we’ll focus on character history and subtext, their inner lives, and learn how to bring their repressed passions, needs and fears to the surface.

Designed For

All fiction writers, along with those who produce creative nonfiction.

See Requirements

What You’ll Learn

  • Keys to writing scintillating dialogue
  • The role of contradictory desires within characters
  • Methods for creating crisis moments that present characters with compelling dilemmas

OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.

Learning Format

Online With Real-Time Meetings

Online Synchronous

Combine the convenience of online learning with the immediacy of real-time interaction. You’ll meet with your instructor and classmates at scheduled times over Zoom. Learn More »

Course Sessions

Online Synchronous

For the class session on May 6, 2025, students have the option to attend online or in person on the UW Seattle campus for networking and project work. More information will be available once the course is underway.

Online

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NONCREDIT COURSE

You'll earn 3 continuing education units (CEUs) for successfully completing this course. Learn more about noncredit options.

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