Course runs 12 May - 2 June 2024
LIVE - Mondays 11am GMT - 7am EST and 4 pre-recorded work sessions.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 101: Foundations of a Memorable Character 

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In this 4-week course...

You’ll build a protagonist (or antagonist) with heart, edge, and dimensionality — someone who lives on the page and leaves a lasting impression.

This structure builds logically, week after week:

  1. Discover the character’s soul – their wants, needs, contradictions, and worldview.
  2. Expose their emotional scars – the wounds, lies, and formative events that shape every decision.
  3. Express them through action, speech, and relationships – building authentic voice, behavior, and chemistry.
  4. Track their growth (or collapse) through the arc – crafting believable internal change that anchors your story.


Each week includes one live workshop, four short on-demand lessons, and writing assignments designed to help you unlock characters you’re proud to write — and that others will want to follow.

Course features
  • Author: Natasje van Niekerk
  • Level: Beginner to Advanced
  • Live class time: 1,5 hours x 4
  • Pre-Recorded class: 4 / week
  • Self Study: Student choice

Create characters that feel real, stay with us, and drive unforgettable stories.

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Whether you're writing for screen, stage, or page — every great story starts with a character we can’t look away from. But compelling characters aren’t built from quirks and clever lines. They’re built from emotional truth — from contradictions, desires, fears, and the choices they make when pushed to their edge.
Character Development 101: Foundations of a memorable character, is your deep-dive into crafting layered, emotionally intelligent characters from the inside out.

If you’re tired of characters that feel flat, too “nice,” or just a little too... familiar — this is where the transformation begins.
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Facilitated by

Natasje van Niekerk 

SCREENWRITER - STORY EDITOR - SERIES DEEVELOPER
As a writer and story architect, I've spent the past two decades helping characters and stories come alive on screens, both big and small.

My journey began in the world of English Literature, and soon my passion for storytelling led me to the dynamic world of television and film.

For nearly 20 years, I've practised my craft in writer's rooms around the globe, participating and leading brainstorming sessions and development processes.

Now, I'm thrilled to share my expertise with you! Whether you're crafting a character for a short film, a series, a feature-length film, or even a novel, I'm here to guide you.

Together, we'll unlock the potential of your characters and their journeys, using a touch of creative magic.

Ready to craft your protagonist's arc? Let's get started!
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