#150. How Rowling Created A Cast of Compelling Characters (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)
Jul 16, 2024
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Savannah Gilbo and Abigail K. Perry discuss J.K. Rowling's character development in Harry Potter. They delve into character dynamics, narrative impact, and the role of mentorship. The discussion highlights creating a diverse cast to enrich storytelling and the influence of character backstories on decision-making.
Select characters based on their purpose to drive the narrative forward and align with core themes.
Character growth and diversity are essential for crafting compelling stories with engaging dynamics.
Deep dives
Importance of Purposeful Character Selection
Selecting characters based on their purpose in the story is crucial to driving the narrative forward. In Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling carefully chooses characters that align with the core themes and conflicts. The contrasting goals of heroes and villains create the story's central conflict, emphasizing the significance of character choices. By focusing on characters that serve a purpose and contribute to the main arc, writers can build a rich and engaging storyline.
Character Growth and Diversity
Character growth and diversity play vital roles in crafting compelling stories. Through characters like Harry, Ron, and Hermione in Harry Potter, we witness diverse backgrounds and personalities influencing their decisions and interactions. Each character's evolution and unique traits contribute to the group dynamic and narrative progression. Writers can learn from this interplay to create multifaceted characters that engage readers and drive the plot forward.
Understanding Order and Chaos in Character Dynamics
Exploring the concepts of order and chaos within character dynamics adds depth to storytelling. Characters like Dumbledore, exhibiting traits of order and chaos, offer valuable lessons and perspectives. Understanding how characters' decisions stem from their core traits and backgrounds enriches the narrative. Writers can utilize this lens to balance character interactions, motivations, and conflicts effectively within their stories.
The Power of Character Decisions and Consequences
Character decisions and their consequences shape the narrative trajectory and thematic development in stories. Examining how characters like Harry navigate dilemmas and choices underscores the importance of individual growth and decision-making processes. Through conflicts and resolutions, characters' journeys unfold, reflecting their inner struggles and external challenges. Writers can leverage character decisions to drive plot development and thematic exploration in their own narratives.
Ever wonder how Rowling created such a wonderful cast of quirky and relatable characters in the Harry Potter series?
If so, tune into this episode to hear Abigail K. Perry, Tim Grahl, and me talk about the characters in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
You’ll hear us talk about things like:
[02:32] How to think about the number of characters you include in your story (and what we can learn from the characters Rowling highlighted in book one)
[09:17] How to write a dynamic cast of characters that can help your protagonist grow and change (and, in Harry’s case, aid or harm his ability to survive)
[09:49] Why Rowling layered the forces of antagonism Harry faces in this first book (and why this was necessary based on his age and skill level)
[17:07] How point of view choice affects our interpretation of the events in the story—and influences whether we classify certain characters as “good” or “evil”
[20:26] And so much more…
If you like this episode, you’ll LOVE my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Click here to pre-order a copy and get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book.
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