Creating unforgettable characters is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of storytelling. In Mark Boutros’ enlightening guide, The Craft of Character: How to create deep and engaging characters your audience will never forget, aspiring and experienced writers alike will find a wealth of knowledge to help breathe life into their creations. International Emmy-nominated writer Mark Boutros blends his extensive experience as a screenwriter, novelist, and creative writing mentor to offer a comprehensive toolkit designed to sculpt characters that truly resonate with readers.
Endorsed by notable figures like Adam Croft, who hails it as the most complete and comprehensive guide to character he’s ever read, this book dives deep into the heart of character development. Whether you’re crafting a gripping protagonist, a nuanced anti-hero, or a compelling villain, Boutros’ techniques and exercises ensure your characters are not just functional but profoundly impactful.
Each practical chapter is brimming with insights on building authentic motivations, meaningful obstacles, and detailed backgrounds that make your audience care deeply about your characters. By the end of The Craft of Character, you’ll be equipped with the tools needed to create characters who linger in the minds of your audience long after the story ends. Discover the secret to unforgettable storytelling and elevate your writing today with this invaluable resource.
The Craft of Character: How to create deep and engaging characters your audience will never forget
Mastering Character Creation: Unforgettable Techniques from ‘The Craft of Character’
Empathizing with the Creator in Struggle
Oh, the agony! There I was, slaving away night after night, attempting to craft a tale that would rivet readers to their seats. Yet, despite my best efforts, my characters remained about as vibrant as a soggy toast. Their motivations felt forced, their journeys meandering. I knew the plot needed more, but what? Enter stage left: “The Craft of Character” by Mark Boutros, a lifesaver disguised as a book. This little gem took my hand and led me to the heart of character building, revealing the emotional underpinnings I’d been missing all along.
Who Needs This Beacon of Character Wisdom?
The million-dollar question: Is this book for you? If you’re a writer—be it of novels, screenplays, or stage plays—grappling with making your characters three-dimensional, you’re in luck. Whether you’re a novice still trying to figure out the basics or a seasoned scribe yearning to inject fresh life into your cast, Mark Boutros has your back. For beginners, it’s a solid foundation; for veterans, it’s the refresher course you didn’t know you needed.
Pros and Cons: The Juicy Bits
Pros:
- Comprehensive Guide: It covers everything from goals and desires to character flaws and stakes. Nothing falls through the cracks.
- Insightful Exercises: Each chapter ends with practical exercises to help you immediately apply what you’ve learned. Think of it as a character-building boot camp.
- Universal Application: Though the insights come from screenwriting, they apply beautifully to all storytelling forms. Fiction writers and playwrights, rejoice!
- Down-to-Earth Tone: Mark’s approachable writing style makes complex concepts digestible. No pretentious jargon, just solid advice.
- A Rich Array of Topics: From character voices to anti-heroes, no stone is left unturned.
Cons:
- Screenwriting Focus: While the principles are universal, some might wish for more examples directly applicable to other forms of writing.
- Not Cutting-Edge New: Experienced writers may find some advice to be affirmations rather than revelations. Still, a reminder of core principles is never bad.
Alternatives: A Road Less Traveled
For those fans of variety, here are a few alternatives to consider:
Creating Characters by Dwight V. Swain
This classic guide delves into the mechanics of character creation, offering a solid companion to Boutros’s more emotionally-driven approach.
The Anatomy of Story by John Truby
Truby’s work is an exhaustive look at not just characters but plotting and structuring your story. It’s a good pick if you want an all-encompassing guide.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
A novel-focused take on the popular screenwriting book, offering templates and tips for crafting compelling stories with strong characters.
In the tangled jungle of character creation, The Craft of Character by Mark Boutros stands out as a trusty guidebook, ready to turn your soggy-toasted characters into fully-baked wonders. Whether embarking on your first writing adventure or revisiting an old manuscript, let this book be your muse—because great stories begin with unforgettable characters.
The Craft of Character: How to create deep and engaging characters your audience will never forget
The Craft of Character: How to create deep and engaging characters your audience will never forget
