Characters
Supporting Characters
Supporting characters should do more than fill space. This certificate program focuses on creating secondary characters who enhance theme, challenge the protagonist, and enrich the story world. Learn how to give supporting roles purpose, distinction, and narrative impact without overshadowing the central arc.
Courses
Outsiders in Crime Fiction: Strangers in Unfamiliar Places
In this session, authors explore how outsider characters create tension, drive conflict, and uncover hidden truths within a community. Panelists discuss how unfamiliar settings and perspectives can heighten suspense and deepen storytelling.
The Art of the Supporting Cast
Supporting characters can elevate a story or steal it outright. In this panel, authors discuss how to create memorable secondary characters who deepen the narrative without overshadowing the protagonist. They share techniques for managing character balance, sharpening purpose, and knowing when a side character should shine and when they should step back.
The Characters Who Make the Story Feel Real
Karen McCullah, Barbara Collins, Jim Nesbitt, Nancy Roe, and Ray Anderson discuss how to craft memorable minor characters. They explore how these characters support the story, deepen the world, and add nuance and authenticity that make a narrative feel fully alive.