The Secrets of Character

An insightful and actionable guide to creating a hero that readers will fall in love with, from the author of The Secrets of Story
The hardest yet most essential element of writing great fiction is character - specifically, creating a central hero who is relatable, compelling, and worth the reader's precious time. In this entertaining and practical guide, popular blogger, writing coach and screenwriter Matt Bird breaks down what makes characters embraceable and unforgettable, and presents insider tips and tricks for writers of all levels and genres.
Generously packed with examples from popular books and movies analyzed with engaging specificity, this expert guide reveals what makes audiences believe, care, and invest in great characters - and how to bring your own characters vividly to life.

Matt Bird is the author of Secrets of Story, and creator of The Secrets of Story podcast and blog. He has an MFA in screenwriting from Columbia University. He lives and writes in Chicago where he and his wife Betsy are raising two delightful kids.