Fiction Writing Made Easy

#150. How Rowling Created A Cast of Compelling Characters (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)

Jul 16, 2024

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.

35:11

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Episode guests

Abigail K. Perry

Savannah Gilbo

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

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.

Intro

3min

Character Crafting in Harry Potter Series

22min

Analyzing Dumbledore's Role as a Mentor in the Harry Potter Series

2min

Creating Diverse Characters for Compelling Storytelling

2min

Exploring the Influence of Character Backstories on Decision-Making and Interactions in a Story

5min

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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