Wesleyan University
Creative Writing: The Craft of Character
Wesleyan University

Creative Writing: The Craft of Character

This course is part of Creative Writing Specialization

Amy Bloom

Instructor: Amy Bloom

Sponsored by Barbados NTI

89,896 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(1,903 reviews)

6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5

(1,903 reviews)

6 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
95%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Creative Writing Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 4 modules in this course

What happens in the writer's mind before any words are written on the paper? Characters then reveal themselves through conflict and drama. Without conflict there is no purpose to the story. We then discuss desire. Human beings want things, even when we don't really know what it is we wish for. Finally, we conclude the module like Michelangelo, chipping away everything that is not the masterpiece statue of David. Learn to find what is germane to the story you are telling by looking closely at the character.

What's included

5 videos2 readings1 peer review

Here, we delve deeper into the characters. What is their physical description, and how can we describe them through action? How do they speak? What makes me want to read about them? When your characters need help or understanding, or even rescuing, this draws the reader in, far more than likability. Finally, we discuss how the plot reveals the inner life of characters through what they do as well as say.

What's included

4 videos1 peer review

How do we lead a reader to a world that feels real? Narrators have an attitude, towards subjects and audience, about the world and its events. We discuss in this module considerations involved in planning for these realities, including the differences between first and third person and the construction of dialogue with verisimilitude - the feel of real life - while stripping away the tedium. We ask what idiosyncrasies your characters possess and how to control them to advance the narrative.

What's included

4 videos1 peer review

In this module, we reflect on how our readers learn about our characters - and how we as writers do, as well. We ask questions about who is telling the story, why, and with what goal. We conclude the course with a conversation about the narrator and, distinctly, the narrative, to see how they shape the reader's perception of character and story.

What's included

4 videos1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.5 (294 ratings)
Amy Bloom
Wesleyan University
3 Courses102,010 learners

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

4.5

1,903 reviews

  • 5 stars

    68.04%

  • 4 stars

    20.63%

  • 3 stars

    8.01%

  • 2 stars

    2.35%

  • 1 star

    0.94%

Showing 3 of 1903

LR
4

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2016

JS
5

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2017

JK
5

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2017

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy