On Writing With Brandon Sanderson | Full Writing Lectures (2025) Customizing your Character: Brandon Sanderson's Writing Lecture #6 (2025)
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Mar 5, 2025 Dive into character development with a unique slider methodology! Explore the balance between personality and narrative arcs through iconic characters. Discover how motivation and backstory shape complex characters, including relatable villains. Learn the significance of character arcs—promise, progress, and payoff—and how they drive transformation. Plus, get tips on customizing characters in romance novels and the importance of humor and drama in character interactions. Perfect for aspiring writers wanting to breathe life into their characters!
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Non-Human Characters
- Use viewpoints to humanize non-human characters and create empathy.
- Make motivations relatable, even if their manifestations are alien.
Distinct Background Characters
- Use visual signifiers and quirks to distinguish background characters.
- Develop these quirks to add depth and move beyond stereotypes.
Managing Viewpoints
- Limit viewpoints in early works, especially with complex plots.
- Consider genre and pacing when determining character introspection.