Writing Complex Characters with Rosie Dub

We all love complex characters. Whether their complexity comes from the psychological or physical, it enables readers to engage emotionally with the character, and adds mystery, tension and backstory.

A complex character may have a wound that carries the potential for healing or acceptance, which can help to shape and drive a story in the form of a character arc. When plot and characterisation work seamlessly together the plot becomes an external representation of the inner journey of the character.

In this one-day workshop, author, Dr Rosie Dub will take you on a journey into the psychology of character and the function of psychological/physical wounds in a complex character’s backstory. Whether you’re a fiction or life writer, you’ll discover tips and techniques for creating intriguing, multilayered characters whose internal and external conflicts drive the plot and illustrate its themes.

This writing course, Writing Complex Characters: Exploring Inner Conflict with Rosie Dub, will take place at Writing NSW in Sydney.

Expected learning outcomes

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Learn about the function of complex characters as drivers of plot.

2. Learn the layers of conscious and unconscious motivation behind our characters’ actions and reactions.

3. Learn about the shape of the character arc and the function of its turning points.