The Course
In this course, we dive deep into the art of storytelling by stripping back complicated plot elements to shine a spotlight on what truly connects audiences to a story: the characters.
I am fundamentally making the argument that if we lean unquestioningly into the widely used definition of Plot as the series of events that make up a story, then we have to assume that characters fall within a very narrow margin of traits.
Such an approach both impoverishes our characters, and erases a whole range of possibilities from marginalised communities. For example, the socio-emotional vocabulary of a neurodiverse person will not give believable outcomes within the framework of clichéd plot triggers; a character from a context that values communalism will not be motivated by the prospect of individual gain that harms the community from which they come.
The conventional notion of Plot in storytelling is not a useless one - far from it. The aim here is for us to understand the interplay of Plot, Character and, to some degree, Genre, so that we can use them more appropriately for stronger storytelling.
What you will learn
I hope you will learn to trust your instincts more. I believe we can fall into an academic approach to storytelling when we take on the mantle of writer and forget that we have been telling stories our entire lives.
Through the notes, examples, quotes and exercises in the course, you will learn that it is the characters that influence the mood, atmosphere, and the progression of the story; Plot provides the world within which these characters play. Simplifying the plot allows for deeper exploration of character motivations and relationships, leading to subtler, more satisfying narratives.
Understanding the relationship between Plot and Character is essential for crafting authentic and engaging stories. By simplifying Plot and amplifying Character, we can create narratives that resonate on multiple levels and live on way beyond the final fullstop.
The goal is to give you a toolkit that is practical as well as immediately actionable. Whether you're drafting your first short story or scripting a dialogue for a scene, you'll find guidance and clarity, ensuring that your characters come to vivid, compelling life.