Lecture #10: Characters Part 2 — Brandon Sanderson on Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide you through the key points from Brandon Sanderson's lecture on character development in science fiction and fantasy writing. Understanding how to create compelling characters is essential for any writer looking to engage their audience and enhance their storytelling.

Step 1: Understanding Character Roles

• Identify Character Types: Familiarize yourself with the different types of characters in a narrative, such as protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters.
• Define Their Purpose: Each character should serve a specific role that contributes to the overall story. Ask yourself:
  • What does this character want?
  • How do they impact the protagonist's journey?

Step 2: Building Character Depth

• Create Backstories: Develop detailed backgrounds for your characters to make them feel real. Consider:
  • Their history
  • Key experiences that shaped them
  • Relationships with other characters
• Use Flaws and Strengths: Give your characters strengths and weaknesses to make them relatable. This adds complexity and realism to their personality.

Step 3: Establishing Character Goals and Motivations

• Define Goals: Determine what each character wants to achieve. This drives their actions throughout the story.
• Understand Motivations: Explore what motivates your characters to pursue their goals. Common motivations include:
  • Desire for power
  • Love
  • Revenge

Step 4: Creating Dynamic Characters

• Show Growth: Allow characters to evolve throughout the story. This can include:
  • Learning from their mistakes
  • Changing perspectives
• Introduce Conflicts: Place your characters in challenging situations that test their values and beliefs. This can lead to significant character development.

Step 5: Dialogue and Interaction

• Craft Unique Voices: Give each character a distinct voice through their dialogue. This helps to convey their personality and background.
• Encourage Interaction: Showcase how characters interact with one another. Their relationships should reveal their traits and drive the plot forward.

Step 6: The Role of Archetypes

• Understand Archetypes: Familiarize yourself with classic character archetypes (e.g., the hero, the mentor, the trickster) as a foundation for your characters.
• Subvert Expectations: While archetypes are useful, consider twisting them to create unexpected dynamics in your story.

Conclusion

Incorporating these steps into your writing process will help you create well-rounded, engaging characters that resonate with readers. Start by defining your characters' roles and backstories, establish their goals and motivations, and ensure they undergo growth through conflict. Use dialogue to bring them to life and consider using archetypes creatively. As you develop your characters, remember that they are the heart of your story, driving the narrative and connecting with your audience. Happy writing!