Focused Workshop: Main Characters

Hello science fiction and fantasy writers!
This week, we're having another focused workshop at Justin's house. As usual, first-timers are welcome; no need to feel weird about going to a stranger's house -- just come in and go with the flow.

This one has homework, meaning we'll discuss what people bring. But you are also welcome to come empty handed and just contribute your thoughts on the other’s work.
The first 15 minutes of the meeting will be dedicated to saying hello and waiting for latecomers, then we'll dive in.

The Homework:
Bring a one-page description/breakdown of the main character(s) of your story.

Please try to keep your breakdown to one page, and only bring one copy. If you can't print a copy in advance, upload it to "Our Writings" in the Discord, and one of us can print it out.

The format for this is flexible, depending on what you and your project need. You can use the whole page to break down a single character. Use the space to discuss their backgrounds, key motivations, defining traits, fatal flaws, and core relationships.

Alternatively, you can break down two (or more) main characters, such as two or three protagonists, the hero and the love interest, or the hero and the antagonist/FOIL. This multi-character breakdown allows you to compare their relationship and contrast their motivations and character traits.

There's no requirement for format or structure, so focus on whatever details you feel your character, story, and creative process need (while still providing a holistic view of your main character).

A character breakdown could establish some of the following details:

1. Archetype: In a single phrase, what's the character's basic archetype? Examples: Reclusive nerd, anti-hero, compassionate mom, retired agent, etc.
2. Internal Conflict: Deep characters have needs and motivations beyond the external "A-story" plot, but something internal is preventing them from achieving it. What do they want, and why are they getting in their own way? Example: Juliet loves Romeo but is prejudiced against his house.
3. Needs: According to Maslow's hierarchy for character development, main characters have five core needs that need to be met (or resolved) by the end of the story, including basic survival needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization." While this is a flexible guideline, establishing multiple needs for your character can support motivations, conflict, and audience connection.
4. Motivations: How do characters' needs drive them through the conflict? The best characters are often "active," making choices that believably drive the plot forward while aligning with tangible motivations (even if the motivations drive them to make mistakes). How do these motivations conflict with those of other characters?
5. Relevant Past and Background: Our behavior is often connected to our past. Think of a particular memory that explains a particular behavior. Example: the detective always stays late -- he's been a workaholic since his wife died.
6. Tragic Flaw: What character flaw will the character need to overcome to move the plot forward? (Or what flaw will be their undoing?)
7. Why Them? Why is your protagonist the protagonist? Are they special? Do you relate to them? Are they critical to some in-world situation?
8. Style: How do they dress, and why? How do you establish their visual appearance throughout the text?
9. Common Thread: What connects your main characters? Examples: blood relatives, students at the same school, mutants, cyborgs, political allies, common enemy.
10. Cross-Examine: What is Character A's opinion of Character B?

We're looking forward to yet another constructive workshop. Visit our Discord Server to learn more and get in touch.