Masterclass
The Secret to Writing Memorable Characters
May 4th, 2026 • 3pm - 4pm EDT
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📚Overview
Three-dimensional characters are the backbone of any book. Whether you’re writing true-to-life characters in non-fiction or inventing them for a novel, designing characters that are believable, memorable, and distinctive is one of the most important steps before you start writing.
In this masterclass, Noah Charney will introduce you to a new approach – inspired by role playing games – that you can use to create characters that come alive on the page. You’ll learn fun, actionable techniques to create your main characters, and handy shortcuts for developing memorable supporting characters too.
Schedule
3pm - 4pm EDT
The Secret to Writing Memorable Characters
In this hour-long masterclass, you will learn:
- How to create character profiles using handy templates
- Tools for developing your character’s backstory and personality
- Shortcuts for developing supporting characters that still feel fleshed out
- Fun ways to gamify character creation
At the end of the session there will be a live Q&A with Noah where you can ask him about developing characters for fiction and nonfiction, and his best writing tips borrowed from role playing games.
Speakers
Noah Charney
Reedsy Professor of Writing
Dr Noah Charney is the best-selling author of more than 30 of his own books, including a Pulitzer finalist. His latest book is The 12-Hour Author: Everything You Need to Know to Get Published and Become a Successful Writer (Bloomsbury). A professor of art history, he teaches online for the Smithsonian, the National Gallery (UK), and Yale. Noah has ghostwritten and edited books for Reedsy clients, and is Professor of Writing at Reedsy Learning.
