Characters
Heroes and Protagonists

Alana White, Angela Greenman, Kathryn Lasky, Lawrence Allan, Susan Ouellette, and T.J. O’Connor explore what makes a protagonist truly resonate. They discuss mirror moments, the influence of supporting characters, and the emotional layers that help readers form a lasting connection with the story’s central figure.

Stacy Allen, Jeffery Deaver, Linda Sands, Lynette Eason, Matthew Mather, Sharon Marchisello, and Shirley B. Garrett explore the emotional and physical journeys of heroes and heroines. They discuss how courage, sacrifice, and resilience shape powerful stories that stay with readers long after the final scene.

Chris F. Holm, Elizabeth Hand, Lou Berney, and Seth Harwood examine the appeal of morally complex protagonists. They discuss how flawed heroes, ethical tension, and emotional honesty draw readers in and keep them invested in the story.

Strong female protagonists have become a powerful force in crime fiction. In this session, authors discuss creating women who lead investigations, face danger head on, and push their limits throughout a series. Panelists share how they build compelling female characters who drive the story and keep readers invested.

Today’s heroes are complicated, flawed, and often uncomfortable in their own skin. In this panel, authors explore how modern protagonists have moved far beyond traditional heroic archetypes, reflecting changing values, diverse backgrounds, and moral ambiguity. The discussion looks at why these imperfect heroes feel more real to readers and how writers can create characters who resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.

Andrew Grant, F. Paul Wilson, Lori Armstrong, and Michelle Gagnon explore how to portray toughness in male protagonists with honesty and depth. They examine physical strength, emotional resilience, and moral conviction, and how these qualities shape characters readers believe in and root for.

Moderated by Jim Nesbitt, Richard Helms and fellow panelists discuss the creation of the tough guy archetype in fiction. They explore voice, authenticity, and how to balance strength with vulnerability to create characters who feel real rather than one dimensional.

Becki Willis, Chris Berg, Lori Robbins, Mary Dutta, Randy Weir, and S. Lee Manning explore how clear, believable goals give your protagonist purpose and momentum. They discuss how motivation, point of view, and inner conflict work together to move a story forward and create natural tension that keeps readers turning pages.

In this session, authors discuss writing protagonists who are not trained detectives or heroes but are forced to confront dangerous and unexpected situations. Panelists explore how these characters create tension, relatability, and powerful storytelling.

Jamie Mason, Jodi Compton, John Morgan Wilson, Seth Harwood, and Timothy Hallinan explore the appeal of morally ambiguous sleuths. They discuss how thieves, con artists, and rule breakers can still earn reader loyalty and drive compelling crime fiction.

Judie Clemmons, Karen Olson, Lauren Henderson, Lori Armstrong, and Russel McClain discuss how to write well-rounded female protagonists in crime fiction. They explore realistic portrayals of relationships, emotional depth, and the challenges women face both on the page and within the publishing world.

Elaine Viets, joined by Andrew Mayne, Diane Vallere, Hillary Davidson, and James W. Ziskin, discuss how women are portrayed in mystery fiction. They explore empowerment, representation, and the balance between strength, intelligence, and authenticity in female protagonists.

Jennifer McAndrews, Meg Gardiner, Nora McFarland, Sara J. Henry, Taylor Stevens, and Zoë Sharp discuss writing complex female protagonists who embody strength, agency, and authenticity. The conversation explores emotional depth, resilience, and what it means to create women characters who feel fully alive on the page.

Joseph Terrell, Andrew J. Peters, Cate Holahan, Howard Owen, Kerry Peresta, and Reavis Z. Wortham break down what makes a mystery protagonist truly compelling. They explore motivation, moral complexity, and how to reveal information at the right moment so readers stay invested in both the character and the story.

Anthony Rainone, Chris Ewan, Jason Starr, Jodi Compton, Joseph Pittman, and Rob Byrnes explore the art of writing antiheroes. They discuss moral ambiguity, internal conflict, and how to keep readers invested even when a protagonist walks the line between right and wrong.

Jane B. Lee, Judy L. Murray, R.G. Belsky, Rodney Syler, Terry Shepherd, and Thomas A. Burns Jr. talk about what makes a hero unforgettable. From crafting likable flaws to building emotional depth and growth, these authors share how to create characters readers connect with and remember long after the final page.