Former private investigator and New York Times notable author David Corbett offers a unique and indispensable toolkit for creating characters that come vividly to life on the page and linger in memory. Corbett provides an inventive, inspiring, and vastly entertaining blueprint to all the elements of characterization-from initial inspiration to realization-with special insights into the power of secrets and contradictions, the embodiment of roles, managing the "tyranny of motive," and mastering crucial techniques required for memorable dialogue and unforgettable scenes. This is a how-to guide for both aspiring and accomplished writers that renders all other books of its kind obsolete.

The long-awaited third volume of Robert McKee’s trilogy on the art of fiction. Following up his perennially bestselling writers' guide Story and his inspiring exploration of the art of verbal action in Dialogue, the most sought-after expert in the storytelling brings his insights to the creation of compelling characters and the design of their casts. CHARACTER explores the design of a character universe: The dimensionality, complexity and arcing of a protagonist, the invention of orbiting major characters, all encircled by a cast of service and supporting roles.

“The most complete and comprehensive guide to character I've ever read." Adam Croft Character is at the heart of every story. We love stories because we fall in love with characters, we want to see what happens to them and we want to see them experience hope and despair. International Emmy nominated writer, Mark Boutros, offers a guide to creating characters who are engaging, emotionally driven and memorable. With experience as a screenwriter, novelist, creative writing teacher and mentor, Mark shares a mixture of theory and creative writing exercises to get you thinking about the questions to have in your mind during character creation. A lot of stories are perfectly functional, hitting all the right beats, but often fall short due to a thin or obvious character. Problems people think are related to plot are often symptoms of a deeper issue with the characters. Mark highlights what is at the core of character, the importance of motivation, trauma, obstacles and how every little detail can enrich an experience for an audience and ultimately make people care. How do you get to know people? By asking questions and getting to know them so you move past the shallow. Do the same during character development and your story will be so much more engaging for it. Each chapter focuses on an aspect important to character development and ends with exercises so you can apply the concepts to your work and write better characters. The book includes: - Goals, desires, lessons - Stakes to your character’s goal - Character flaws - Developing your character’s voice and world view - Generating truthful obstacles - How to write anti-heroes and compelling villains - Character and personality traits - Common mistakes in character writing - Character research - A character questionnaire The majority of the ideas originate from the author’s screenwriting experience, but they apply to all forms of story, whether it be fiction writing or playwriting, because the focus is on what really makes a character stand out and memorable. The job of the writer is to deliver an emotional experience. Character is the heart of that. If you're looking for a book to help you to improve your screenplay writing, fiction writing, or play writing then this is for you. An invaluable tool for beginner and experienced writers. This is perfect for anyone interested in screenwriting books, fiction writing books, or character development books. Praise for The Craft of Character: “Would 100% recommend not only for beginners, but also for experienced writers looking to get to know their characters better. A bit like writer-character therapy.” reader review “Both the chapters and the exercises are easy to understand and get through. Mark Boutros clearly knows his stuff and seems happy to be able to help the reader, rather than becoming lecturing and elitist. The structure of the book also means that it is easy to dip back into, when you come across a specific problem, and as such it is a great little reference book, which any aspiring storyteller would benefit from.” reader review “Normally, I find myself arguing with the author of craft books, but here I would say 90% of what I read were things I either found helpful, or flat out agreed with whole heartedly and just needed a reminder on why these things are important. The exercises were a excellent touch, especially as someone who is teaching writing, it gave me ideas on what to do for my students.” reader review

Create compelling, original characters using archetypes and design elements such as shadows and line with the tips and techniques found in this image-packed book. Bryan Tillman bridges the gap between the technique of drawing characters and the theory of good character design by using case studies, examples of professional art, and literary and pop culture references to teach you how to develop a character, not just draw one. The book also features Character Model Sheets that will guide you through the creation of new and unique characters. Finally, Bryan will break down established character archetypes to show you why and how the different aspects of good character design work. The content on the book is based on Bryan's popular 2009 Comic-Con course on 'Character Design'. Learn what makes a character unique and powerful by using shapes, shadows, and form - this title includes 'character model sheets' so you can put it all together yourself, as well as case studies from established artists. It bridges the gap between the technique of drawing characters and the theory of good character design in a practical, hands-on way - learn how to use story and archetypes to develop compelling, new characters. Based on a standing-room only presentation at Comic-Con 2009 in San Diego, it features the artwork of a collection of professional artists as examples to the techniques shown in the book.

Provides instructions on drawing and instilling movement in animal and human animated characters, including children, individualizing characters, and revealing emotion, and offers an interview with one of the directors of "The Lion King" and advice on becoming a professional animator

Hart delivers detailed instructions, inspiring ideas, and invaluable tips for creating appealing and original manga-style characters. Illustrations.

This beautifully designed catalogue spans Close's career through film, television and theatre, with a survey of beautifully crafted costumes from some of her most iconic performances. In 2017 acclaimed film and stage actress Glenn Close donated her costume collection to Sidney and Lois Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design. The Art of the Character: Highlights from the Glenn Close Costume Collection is an exhibition and catalogue at the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University, in partnership with the Sage Fashion Collection. This beautifully designed catalogue spans Close's career through film, television and theatre, with a survey of beautifully crafted costumes from some of her most iconic performances, such as roles in Fatal Attraction, Dangerous Liaisons and 101 Dalmatians. Great designers featured include James Acheson, Ann Roth and Anthony Powell. "All my costumes are the product of an informed, passionate collaboration," Close said. " ... And I'd like them to gain an insight into the creative process, which is basically the thing that keeps any artist's soul alive: the actual process."

An engaging, thought-provoking, illustrated analysis of the classical principles of ethics applied to everyday dilemmas. Ethics: The Art of Character is the quintessential little book of big ideas. It draws on the work of Aristotle, Socrates, Plato--and on the words of Dante, Spinoza, Kant, Martin Seligman, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Chuang Tzu. Ethicist Gregory Beabout describes Aristotle's lectures as aimed, not at the young, but at listeners "experienced in life . . . with a desire to pursue the common good and in possession of a sense of what it is to live a beautiful, meaningful life." This wise little book contemplates the quest for courage, justice, temperance, wisdom, empathy, humility, and much more--timeless goals that also remain timely. A chapter on "Ethics in Real Life" invites the reader to explore two contemporary dilemmas and puzzle out the ethical choices when the situations "present a clear choice whether or not to do something that appears wrong, in order to avert an apparently greater evil." Featuring chapters on medical ethics, workplace ethics, and environmental ethics, Ethics: The Art of Character distills the wisdom of the ages into a sixty-four-page, unforgettable life lesson.

New series Character Design Collection features 50 expert artists using professional techniques and approaches to create a library of inspiring sketches.