What makes an effective character study? Why do some characters feel so authentic that you remember them like an old friend, and relate to others as total strangers? Is it because they are familiar or remote, their lives feel lived-in, or their dialogue fizzes off the page? Do they act strangely, or secretly, or are they the funniest person in the room?

The most unforgettable characters are, to put it simply, those who have been written well. Whether we like them or hate them, they feel real to us, and if you want your future piece of creative writing to connect with your readers, your characters need to be fully fleshed out.

In this virtual writing masterclass with Sophie Mackintosh, the Booker-nominated author of The Water Cure and Blue Ticket, you will unpack what makes a character compelling, and how to bring depth and complexity to their backstories and behaviour in ways that ensure your story shimmers with captivating moments. You will also learn about how to get to know the core of your characters, and how to use their motivations to steer your narrative.

Whether you’re in the early planning stage of your writing journey, or are feeling a little stuck a few drafts in, this interactive workshop will equip you with the writing techniques to breathe life into your characters, and leave you feeling confident and assured in their ability to carry your story through to the final draft.

Course content

Explore what makes an effective character study, and why readers respond to some characters more than others
Understand how a character’s voice, thoughts and actions can be used to move a story forward
How to write narration and dialogue in a range of voices
Writing techniques to bring depth and credibility to characters

This course is for…

Beginners and writers looking to develop their skills
Anyone who wants to learn more about writing compelling characters through practical exercises

Tutor profile

Sophie Mackintosh is a writer originally from Wales, currently based in London. Her fiction and non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Granta, The Stinging Fly and more, and she is the author of three novels - The Water Cure, Blue Ticket, and Cursed Bread. The Water Cure was longlisted for the 2018 Booker Prize, and Cursed Bread is longlisted for the 2023 Women's Prize.

Course Details

Date: Sunday 16 April 2023
Time: 2pm-4.30pm BST

A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

2pm BST | 3pm CEST | 6am PDT | 9am EDT

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

Fiction skills: A masterclass in characterisation with Sophie Mackintosh