Want a NOOK? Explore Now
A jargon-free manual on the basics of developing interesting fictional characters
Vibrant, believable characters help drive a fictional story. Along with a clever plot, well-drawn characters make us want to continue reading a novel or finish watching a movie. In Creating Characters, Dwight V. Swain shows how writers can invent interesting characters and improve them so that they move a story along.
“The core of character,” he says in chapter 1, “lies in each individual story person’s ability to care about something; to feel implicitly or explicitly, that something is important.” Building on that foundation—the capacity to care—Swain takes the would-be writer step-by-step through the fundamentals of finding and developing “characters who turn you on.” This basic but thought-provoking how-to is a valuable tool for both the novice and the seasoned writer.
This book starts out well but becomes dissappointing. Too much description and often not enough information about the creating and building of character. An example is Love Character. One small descriptive paragraph. This book does not live up to its title nor its sub title.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.RainyGirl
Posted August 5, 2009
I tend to believe that, sometimes, reading about writing is a way to avoid writing. A book like this puts that fear to rest. It is well worth the time. If you are having problems with a character, this book will give you the tools to help solve it. The time you save will more than compensate for the time spent reading. And it's a joyful and exciting book! You'll come away with so many ideas you'll WANT to write. Can't recommend it enough!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 31, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
A jargon-free manual on the basics of developing interesting fictional characters
Vibrant, believable characters help drive a fictional story. Along with a clever plot, well-drawn characters make us want to continue reading a novel or finish watching a movie. In Creating Characters, Dwight V. Swain shows how writers can invent interesting characters and improve them so that they move a story along.
“The core of character,” he says in chapter 1, “lies in each individual story ...