The Mythic Guide to Characters

Book excerpt: How do you create characters who are so compelling that they hook readers from the start? As a professor, writer, and philosopher, Dr. Antonio del Drago has immersed himself in the literary and mythological traditions of the world. His search for answers led him to uncover the common elements behind all great myths and stories. Applying this knowledge to the writing of characters, he has developed a layered approach to character creation. In this guide, you will discover: The secret to writing multidimensional characters How to develop your character's unconscious motivations Four ways in which characters interact with their worlds Five formative relationships that shape your character Nine mythic archetypes and how to use them The difference between proactive and reactive protagonists Ways to define a character through dialogue and physicality The guide also includes a detailed worksheet that walks you through the stages of character development. This is more than a book on how to write characters. This guide offers a practical, step-by-step approach to character creation that is sure to take your writing to the next level.