
Character
Thursday, February 20, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 pm GMT
Everyone says that character is the foundation of storytelling, but what does that mean? How do you develop convincing, lifelike characters while still using them to power your plot? And what if your story-idea hasn’t arrived with characters at all?
In this practical workshop we’ll think about what makes characters convincing and keeps the reader caring about them. We’ll explore how to find and develop your characters, how characterisation and theme interact, and what to do when your characters won’t do what they’re told – or don’t feel like they have any life at all.
You should leave with a new understanding of what makes storytelling tick, and perhaps even some ideas for new stories. A handout will be sent after the event so that you don’t need to make extensive notes during the tutorial. Attendees will also be sent a link to a free one month subscription on substack to Emma’s blog This Itch of Writing.
If you aren’t able to attend in person, please sign up and request a recording which will be sent out a few days after the event along with the handout.
Guest tutor
Date
Time
Venue
Cost

Emma Darwin
AuthorShe teaches creative writing at Oxford University and Goldsmiths, University of London, and has given workshops from Auckland to Zurich.

Emma Haynes
Head of Events & CompetitionsEmma is responsible for BPA’s bespoke programme of literary events and retreats as well as managing the First Novel Award and submissions

Assistance to writers on low incomes and/or from communities under represented in publishing
We are offering a free place on each of our online tutorials and Q & A sessions for UK based writers on low incomes and/or from under represented communities in publishing.
Writers may apply for a free place on one of the sessions by contacting BPA with a short bio and a summary of their writing career to date.
Please click here to Contact BPA with your application and in the case of writers on low incomes, proof of financial eligibility such as: Jobseeker’s Allowance; Disability Benefit; Income Support; Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit; Proof of being a full-time student; Housing benefit; Proof of being a full-time carer.
All details will be kept confidential. Decisions on who receives the free places rest with the BPA team not the tutors.
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