Writers' Room
Developing Character in Fiction

Overview
The Writers’ Room is a creative writing course centered on character. Each week, we’ll engage in a cycle of thoughtful reading, focused writing, and constructive feedback.
Participants will learn to “read like a writer” and apply those insights directly to their own creative work, exploring what makes characters vivid, compelling, and meaningful.
Details
Course Title: Writers’ Room: Developing Character in Fiction
Instructor: Felicity Tillack
Course Duration: 10 Weeks
Class Length: 90 minutes per session
Location: Konkoin Buddhist Temple, Kyoto
Fee
35,000 yen for 10 weeks with 10% discount for the first 5 students enrolled.
Note: You do not have to attend every class. If you know in advance which classes you will miss, please let me know and we can discuss an adjusted course fee.
Goals
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze published fiction for effective character development
- Create original characters with depth and purpose
- Understand how character choices drive plot and reveal theme
- Revise their own writing based on feedback and reflection
- Participate constructively in a writing community
Class Format
- Mini-Lesson (15 min): mini lesson supported by mentor texts
- Writing Time (60 min): Generative writing or revision time based on prompt
- Sharing (15 min): Small group or whole-class readings with feedback using workshop guidelines
Materials
- Notebook or digital writing tool
- Assigned short stories/excerpts (provided weekly by instructor)
- Optional: A favorite book to reference throughout the course
Course Focus & Weekly Schedule
Week
Focus Area
Description
1
Reading Like a Writer
Techniques for extracting craft lessons from published texts
2
Character and Theme
How character traits, flaws, and goals reflect thematic questions
3
Bone Structure of Character
Understanding backstory, desire, and contradiction as the skeleton of character
4
Escalating Stakes
Using rising tension to test character values and commitment
5
Character at Their Most Characterful
Introductions where character is revealed
6
Action as Character
Showing character through choices, gestures, and behaviour
7
Scene-Level Conflict
Building tension between characters in a single moment
8
Story-Level Conflict
Tracking internal and external conflict across a narrative arc
9
Arc of Change
Mapping how characters grow over the course of a story
10
Reflection
A week dedicated writing and reflection on new insights
Creative Ownership Agreement
By enrolling in this course, you agree to the following:
- All writing shared in class—whether drafts, excerpts, or completed works—remains the intellectual property and copyright of the original author.
- Feedback offered during class is intended to support the writer’s creative process. No participant may claim ownership, co-authorship, or derivative rights over another’s work.
- You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute any work shared by others in the course, in part or in full, without the author’s explicit written permission.
- We foster a respectful, collaborative environment. All feedback should be given thoughtfully and received in the spirit of creative growth.