Creating Sympathetic Villains

Villains and Heroes are the backbone of any story. Sometimes it can be too easy to create a conflict that pits the ultimate evil antagonist against a protagonist that can do no wrong. This three hour workshop will explore how to incorporate positive traits into villains, thus creating tension for the reader, and negative traits into heroes, without them feeling like token flaws that are irrelevant to the story.

 Is the registration fee an obstacle for you to attend this workshop? Fishtrap offers a limited number of scholarships to help with the cost. Contact Program Director Mike Midlo for more information. [mike@fishtrap.org]

Participants will have time to create new characters or update previously made characters, as well as share out and workshop their ideas. The strategies we discuss can be applied to characters in any genre, and will include considering backstory, character history and motivation, realistic interactions, and the balance of positive and negative character traits. Additionally, we will discuss realistic character growth necessary to create dynamic characters that readers will sympathize with and root for.

Kirsten Rhola lives in Joseph, Oregon, and has been writing her whole life. She is an enthusiastic life-long learner, loves a relaxing day on the lake, and works hard to keep her dog in the good life. She has also earned a BA in Creative Writing and Secondary Education; an MA in Curriculum & Instruction; an editing certificate; and taught literature and writing for fifteen years.