Start writing fiction

Introduction

Unit image

This unit looks at how characters might be drawn and how setting is established. It works on the different levels of characterisation, from flat to round, and how character and place interact. It also works on the effect of genre and how genre can be used.

The main teaching material in this unit is taken from an existing publication, The Fiction Writer's Workshop by Josip Novakovich (1995).

Novakovich is an award-winning writer (of short stories mainly), who teaches fiction writing at the University of Cincinnati. His chapters on ‘Character’ and ‘Setting’ are included within this unit. I'll indicate when you should read these extracts and I'll also outline the listening and writing activities that accompany them.

This unit is split into the following sections:

This material is from our archive and is an adapted extract from Start writing fiction (A174) which is no longer taught by The Open University. If you want to study formally with us, you may wish to explore other courses we offer in this subject area [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

Next: Learning outcomes