Plotters Ink - 2016 Agenda

2016- The Year of Complex Characters


Let's face it, not much happens in stories without characters – be they human, alien, animal or spirit. 

Characters become part of your reader’s lives for a while, and if you have done your job well, readers will care what happens to them. Just what makes a fictional character relatable, fascinating, memorable, believable, lovable, fierce – or anything else? Let’s find out together as we explore the art and craft of characterization in 2016.

Photo credit: www.scholastic.com

Every story needs a main character (protagonist) pitted against an adversary (antagonist) in order to create the necessary element of conflict.  The plot thickens nicely when the protagonist – often thought of as the good guy – displays flaws and shortcomings that get him or her into trouble. It’s even better when the antagonist – or bad guy – has some good qualities.  In this way, fiction mimics life itself. We all have both light and dark traits. Sometimes we try to hide them…

In 2016, we will explore a different set of protagonists and antagonists each month. It will be your job to find the best circumstances (plot) to portray them. Get into their heads! What are their motives, hang-ups, prejudices and flaws? Where do they excel? Remember: show us, don’t tell us. How to do that? Dialogue is your friend. 

Choose only ONE of each pair to be your main character.

As always, we will attempt to accomplish this in around 500 words – roughly one side of a letter size sheet of paper.  Those attending group sessions will be expected to read their stories aloud and then receive feedback. Please bring at least 10 copies so the rest of us can follow along. (You may also email us your stories if you can't attend in person, but you won't receive the group's feedback.) By all means, critique your own writing before you print your final version. Here's a suggested list:  Whitesboro Writers Group Critique Guidelines

Check this out for more information about characters: Three types of Inner conflict 

Scheduled dates for 2016:

Second Thursday each month at NEW TIME: 1 PM

For each assignment, choose ONE or the other as your main character, not both:

January 14 Realist or Dreamer	February 11 Leader or Follower	March 10 Friend or Enemy	April 14 Loner or Social Butterfly
May 12 Teacher or Student	June 9 Manipulator or Doormat	July 14 Optimist or Pessimist	August 11 Old Person  or Youth
September 8 Saint or Sinner	October 13 Lover or Hater	November 10 Healer or Abuser	December 8 Adventurer  or Plodder