Literature: “The Heart of Storytelling: Craft Characters That Captivate”
Every great story starts with unforgettable characters. Learn how to bring your characters to life with this free class designed to elevate your storytelling.
About the course
Course Fee
99
Course Dates
Course Length
October4th - October 25th
Weekly Study
One Hour
Testimonial
Course summary
Literature: The Heart of Storytelling – Craft Characters That Captivate
In this course, we’ll explore how unforgettable stories are built around characters that feel alive on the page. You’ll examine what makes a character resonate — from their desires and contradictions to the language that gives them breath.
We’ll draw inspiration from acclaimed storytellers across fiction and film, analyzing how they construct compelling voices, relationships, and worlds. Alongside weekly writing prompts and guided exercises, you’ll learn to develop your own dynamic characters — ones that can carry a short story, script, or novel.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to:
- Design authentic, multi-dimensional characters
- Use voice, setting, and dialogue to bring them to life
- Sharpen your narrative through line by focusing on emotional stakes
- Share your work with confidence, in preparation for publication or performance
This is a hands-on, generative course — whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your craft, you’ll come away with work ready to develop further and a clearer sense of your literary voice.
How you will learn
This course is designed to build your confidence as a storyteller — whether you’re writing short fiction, novels, or scripts. Our team of editors, novelists, and scriptwriters will guide you through the art of character-driven storytelling.
Thanks to our status as a platform for discovering the best literary talent – having helped kick-start the careers of several literary writers to acclaim, such as Naomi Alderman, Peng Shepherd, Clare Wigfall- have gone on to secure publishing deals, acclaim, and placements on Man Booker Prize longlists. Our network of editors, agents, and publishing partners will be accessible to you throughout the programme.
You’ll learn through:
- Generating and pitching ideas
- Submissions best practices and feedback
- Live readings & performances
- Writing and sharing your work online
- Specialist workshops
- Live salons
You’ve put in the work — now make it work for you. Our free IP toolkit shows you how to protect your writing and turn it into long-term value.
The Tutor
Eric Akoto
Eric is the founder and editor of Litro Magazine, which has published thousands of new and established voices across the globe.
He has worked with agents, publishers, and writers at all stages — and now helps creatives protect and monetize their work through his latest initiative, The Sphere.
Eric brings 15+ years of experience navigating publishing rights, contracts, and licensing to help you build a creative practice that is both resilient and rewarding.
