Workshop
craft a character profile
$17
Craft complex characters whose traits are deeply intertwined and relevant to the plot so that character and plot development go hand in hand as you write.
Barbara Vance
Instructor
8
lessons
52m
video runtime
2
downloads
Course Description
Designing a character is about more than choosing traits we think seem interesting. We much choose the ones that speak to the story. A truly three dimensional character is one who has a variety of traits and whose traits are truly relevant to the plot. In this workshop you will determine the most essential traits for your character and learn how to derive all others from those so that everything is interconnected and dramatic.
This workshop addresses:
- Understanding the complexities of building a three-dimensional character
- Investigating each potential characteristic so that we can maximize it in the story
- Choosing traits that push the plot forward and are essential to the story
- Considering both internal and external characteristics and how they influence each other
- Designing characters so that their traits comment on each other
This course includes
- A class outline to follow along with the video lessons
- A comprehensive workbook that helps you design your characters
What's Inside
This course includes notes to follow along with the video lessons, and a workbook that will help you create a three-dimensional character who is plot-driving.
Course Content
What People Are Saying
This is the best character development course I’ve done – the instructor is great at articulating things that I think are a bit hard to put into words and her examples are great. So excited to take more of her courses!
Cassandra
Student
Amazing! I am only half way through the course and I love it. I have already learned so much. Barbara has a unique way of bringing a point across. I love it. She is raising so many thought-provoking points, that I feel I learned so much already. Very interesting and would highly recommend this course.
Marlen
Student
I couldn’t believe the tactics I’ve been using to make characters were so essential or could be so deep. It really made me appreciate fleshing out the characters I had, at least in the minimalist way I did, before even taking the class. Additionally, the class gave me an idea of how themes can be developed through the world and the characters in said world by traits.
Caleb
Student
This was a very informative and enjoyable class. I gained an awful lot from it and absolutely love getting to know my characters and fleshing out the decisions behind each character trait. It really does help inform the story and make it that much richer. Thank you for a wonderful course.
Karen
Student
Brilliant class. Ive heard the term ‘character driven plot’ many times but didn’t fully understand it until i completed this course. Ive had a very difficult time writing scripts and realised its because i never really KNEW my characters well enough. I used the work sheet to fill out information about one of my characters – an antagonist from a particular script i was having difficulty with, and ended up writing and writing. I understand this man much better now and how his past and childhood experiences with his neglectful parents, and feelings of shame from a lovers rebuff have shaped how he sees the world; as being full of people either strong or weak, and the weak are to be prey for the strong. But this course taught me how to externalise the internal problems he has from childhood – this shapes the plot. Im looking forward to creating my protagonist using this writing tool, Im excited to see how she will interact with him once she has been brought to life. This one hour course is a must for any beginner, i look forward to the next in the portfolio.
Sam
Student
This was an incredibly helpful class that I am happy I decided to watch. I have always had problems knowing how to create effective and powerful characters that both feel real and serves the plot well. I think the teacher explained and illustrated it very well how to take one characteristic and then keep going from that. I tried it myself and was blown away from how much I learned about the character I was creating, and how quickly I was able to get to know the character. She had a lot of interesting points and helpful worksheets that I am sure will help me with my writing going forward.
Ingrid
Student
There’s not a single scrap of hyperbole to say that this lesson really opened my eyes on what kind of process I’ve been sorely missing in my creative writing. It’s one thing to hear about how characters should drive plot, but this lesson does a great job breaking down how to go about setting that up with these profiles. Thank you so much for taking your time to make this lesson! I’m definitely going to be using the worksheet to help me figure out my characters from now on.
Adam
Student
I really liked this one. I really appreciate that each class go straight to the point, so even with examples, each particular class is easy to follow and no longer than it should. Also she explains very clearly and so is her pronunciation (I’m from a native Spanish country, I had no problem understanding her lessons, so, thank you) … I learned a lot, each video has something fundamental to be learn and to be immediately applied . Totally worth it !
Valeria
Student
I find this actually helpful. if you just google this, you get so many lists and honestly ot can be overwhelming. Once again, Barbara gives a guided detail with examples, that all you to have the flow of change that comes with this step as a writer. Absolutely loved it, will apply to next story!
Lamia
Student
I really appreciate your enthusiasm and knowledge. I have already written a novel which i cant find an agent for, so am planning to use what i learn in this class to improve my writing in hopes of finding more success with it. i like all of the courses, so will take any course that you add. Again, thanks for doing this. i have gotten a lot of great ideas that i will use to improve my writing
Clarney
Student
This Class is so good.I have found it really useful, the break down of character, how appearance, personality and values all link together and how different characters interact with each other. There is so much to think about. Barbara does present clearly and with great resource material.
Russ
Student
I was so helped by this class. I’m always looking for a good class, and this one is AMAZING! She doesn’t talk too fast, and I’m always looking for something good to listen to in the background. She is my favorite teacher, and I look forward to more classes from her in the future. I’m listening to this again!
Annika
Student
This is a wonderful class for people who have a struggle for creating interesting characters. If you feel like the characters you make are not quite there yet or you’ve been told to work on your characters, this is definitely for you!
Milo
Student
Barbara is a really amazing teacher! Her classes are always helpful, and she always brings something new for you. I usually come with an idea that is still blur in my mind and then she explains something that makes me understand where I want to go with my story and how I can do it. I couldn’t recommend it more for you guys!
Michel
Student
The ideas and teaching examples are so creative and helpful, it makes the task for a beginner much more approachable. And I love your enthusiasm, Barbara, all your videos are enjoyable like this. 🙂 THANK YOU
Vivian
Student
This class was so helpful, especially the hand outs she made and the variety of examples shown. Im really looking forward to developing my own characters. I will definately be watching her other videos
Ana
Student
This is the second class that I’ve taken from Barbara and she is fantastic. I love her enthusiasm and her passion for the material. Wonderful examples throughout the lesson, and she explains the reason for everything, which I greatly appreciate. Love the documents she’s created, they’re so very helpful. Thank you for creating such a wonderful course!
Juan
Student
A very interesting and quick class that brings up a new perspective on how to write new characters and make the characters you’ve created feel organic. Might not be required for more experienced writers, but should certainly help people of beginner and/or intermediate levels through the practical examples presented.
Edie
Student
I am only halfway-through but I already learned so much. And I just wanted to say that, I’m actually an actor and this helped me build a character I’m able to play. So it’s not even only for writing and I think that’s awesome. Thank you.
Joeri
Student
Excellent introduction to character development. The instructor gave very helpful framing of ideas and good examples. It felt very accessible to new fiction writers. I look forward to taking more classes with this instructor.
Jessica
Student
This is a very good course for anyone writing a story that has characters, so pretty much everyone in that regards. Barbara’s expertise and education shines through as she guides you through the process, she also provides handouts you can use to get started, A+ course.
Trevor
Student
It’s the best character development course I’ve come across. It’s profound, and challenging, and often not obvious.
Alistrina
Student
Pleasantly surprised by how much I learnt! There were some very clever points regarding the connection between characteristics and plot, super helpful.
Abiola
Student
This is a wonderful class for people who have a struggle for creating interesting characters. If you feel like the characters you make are not quite there yet or you’ve been told to work on your characters, this is definitely for you!
Jai
Student
My favorite writing teacher! All of her courses are above and beyond helpful. Best writing courses I’ve taken.
Faith
Student
This is a wonderful class for people who have a struggle for creating interesting characters. If you feel like the characters you make are not quite there yet or you’ve been told to work on your characters, this is definitely for you!
Maithili
Student
I absolutely enjoyed this class and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to better their character skills
Christa
Student
A wonderful class! I always loved creating characters and this class really helped me clarify and bring together techniques and rules to be mindful of. It definitly helped me a lot! Great work!
Robert
Student
It’s a very informative class and the teacher is very engaging. Would definitely recommend it to any aspiring writers.
Emily
Student
This was great! Character development is a real weakness in my writing. This helped really get the wheels going toward building more complex, interesting people. Awesome class!
Emily
Student
The pacing is spot-on and the content is well formed. I get a lot of “ah-ha” moments from examples. Barbara’s courses are rich with them.
Samuel
Student
This class was amazing! Exactly what I’ve been looking for to learn about character development!
Paige
Student
Enjoyed the class. Great enthusiasm by Barbara. I like the character profile sheet.
Bill
Student
The class notes and the template were really helpful. It really keeps you engaged.
Christoph
Student
It helps you sort out what you have in your mind by getting you to organize your ideas on paper.
Alefa
Student
I enjoy the style and clarity of this class, simple yet insightful.
Pablo
Student
Excellent class! Extremely useful!
Deena
Student
I highly recommend this course! Barbara Vance is a great instructor, and the handouts are very helpful!
Nadine
Student
Wonderful teacher. The best online writing classes I’ve watched in years.
Tami
Student
A great class, filled with valuable examples and useful tips
Alexandros
Student
This course was full of insightful tips
Tami
Student
It was a wonderful class.
The Greenwoods
Student
Great job. You’ve been a helpful teacher.
Heaven
Student
Excellent class and very helpful tips/examples
Aurelia
Student
Great course!
Magalie
Student
Barbara Vance, PhD
I am a writer and instructor who has been blessed to help thousands of writers bring their stories to life.
My degrees include a B.A. in literature, an MA in Literature and Creative Writing, and a PhD in storytelling and media. Prior to launching my own company, I taught writing and storytelling at a tier-one university.
Over the past sixteen years I have developed a widely acclaimed collection of courses designed to help writers develop their stories, stay on track, and finish what they start . . . even while juggling busy careers and a family.
I am also the author of a multi-award-winning poetry collection, and my poems are licensed for use in anthologies and curricula around the world.
No Risk 7-day, Money-back Guarantee
If you take the course and don’t feel like it helped, simply reach out to us, show us you have made an effort, and we will refund your full investment.
