Course runs 16 June - 7 July 2024
LIVE - Mondays 11am GMT - 7am EST and 4 pre-recorded work sessions.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 102: A Character Who Drives Plot  

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In this 4-week course...

You’ll learn how to take the character you’ve built and shape the story, so the plot unfolds because of them, not around them. This course focuses on the practical tools that turn emotional truth into narrative momentum.

No drifting. No fillers. Just the work of writing character-first storytelling that holds up.

Each week builds on the last:
  • Week 1: Learn how to create plot from character — where their wants, flaws, and decisions shape what happens next.
  • Week 2: Use relationships and conflict to pressure your character — revealing who they are through the people they push up against.
  • Week 3: Connect character to theme — using their journey to express what your story is really about.
  • Week 4: Write and rewrite scenes that couldn’t exist without them — scenes that feel honest, alive, and earned.

Each week includes a live writing workshop, four short on-demand lessons, and focused exercises to help you write characters who move the story — and who move us, your viewers or readers, too.

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

You’ve built the character. Now write the story only they could tell. Because plot isn’t what happens — it’s what happens when they are the one in the middle of it.

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In this follow-up to Character Development 101: Foundations of a Memorable Character, you’ll take your fully-formed character and embed them deep into the fabric of your story. Through action, relationships, opposition, and theme, we’ll explore how your character’s internal world shapes the external plot — and vice versa. We'll explore how to use pressure, conflict, and choice to allow your character to actively shape their story’s events, tone, and emotional arc.

The plot doesn't “happen to them”, they drive it. 

If Character Development 101 helped you discover who your character is, Character Development 102 shows you how they drive everything forward.
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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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