The Writing Society

The Writing Society E07: Character Development

Jan 4, 2026
Dive into the intriguing world of character development! Explore why writers often revisit similar characters rooted in personal experiences. Discover the balance between writing for healing and crafting distinct personalities. Hear insights on postmortems for failed projects and how emotional cores can transcend story settings. The hosts debate the implications of stereotypes in character design, emphasizing clarity and meaningful choices over excessive detail. Unpack how simplicity can enhance emotional connection, making characters feel complex yet relatable.
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INSIGHT

Writers Reuse Core Emotional Material

  • Writers often create similar characters because they write from the same inner emotional material repeatedly.
  • Talton says returning to the same core lets writers explore different outcomes and healing paths.
ANECDOTE

Unmade Film About A Criminal Father

  • Talton recounts a project where a teen discovers his father is a criminal and becomes one himself, which he loved but never got made.
  • He uses it to show how similar foundations can produce distinct, compelling plots.
INSIGHT

Same Core, Different Worlds

  • External trappings can change while a writer's emotional core repeats across projects.
  • Talton points out different plots let you explore the same fear in new ways for reader connection.
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