Welcome!
...to our character development workshops for writers. Because stories begin and end with character.
The #1 reason most screenplays fail is because the characters are underdeveloped
We're here to solve that problem. That's why we take a CHARACTER-FIRST approach in our online workshops where you'll learn:
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How to develop complex, compelling and memorable characters
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How to craft emotionally-truthful, character-driven stories that keep your audiences engaged
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How to create fascinating character relationships
Wondering if our courses are for you?
The first course we're launching this spring is a workshop for screenwriters of all levels who want to further develop their characters through easy-to-apply approaches from psychology. If you're a writer who has received any of the following notes then we have the solutions:
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Your characters lack depth and are underdeveloped
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Your characters could be more emotionally engaging
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Your characters relationships aren't interesting
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Your characters are unoriginal and lack unique voices
About Us
Hi, I’m Kira-Anne Pelican, PhD and I'm the founder of Character Masterclass. Working as an educator and script consultant for many years I’ve found that many writers wrestle with the same problems when it comes to character development. While it's easy enough to help writers with their story structure, how many of us are actually helped by development notes like “your protagonist lacks complexity and depth”? With a background in psychology, I was convinced that was the right place to search for solutions. Embarking on a PhD that bridged Creative and Critical Writing with Psychology, I found multiple approaches that I knew would immediately solve some of the most challenging problems facing writers. Some of these solutions I wrote about in my book THE SCIENCE OF WRITING CHARACTERS: Using Psychology to Write Compelling Characters (Bloomsbury, 2020). Others, I’ve taught in online workshops across the world, from Auckland to California. As a result of these sessions it’s been wonderful to hear how many writers have genuinely raised their game and had breakthrough moments as a result. In CHARACTER MASTERCLASS, I pull together all the approaches that I’ve been teaching over the last few years, in my most comprehensive writer development training programme to date. I’m hugely excited to be able to share the first course with you later this Spring.
Want to learn more?
Be the first to find out when we launch in Spring 2022. We'll also keep you posted on our FREE online workshops:
Institutions we've loved working with:
Need a bit more convincing?
Maybe these testimonials from previous courses will help
“I would urge any film practitioner of drama, or indeed any writer of the narrative form, to take Kira-Anne's course on character. I’ve been a writer, director and producer for over twenty years, but this course is a game changer. Her marvellously researched and executed course is hugely enlightening and makes palatable many otherwise complex concepts. I had epiphany after epiphany. It has helped me hugely as a screenwriter and has also had a significant impact on my approach as a director. Kira-Anne not only has a fabulously incisive understanding, but also has the humility, warmth and sheer humanity to convey the information so that it is readily absorbed and immediately useable. Do this course and just feel the empowerment that new understanding will bring! I cannot recommend it enough!!”
“This workshop was formidable. I got more out of it than my 40 year background in psychoanalysis and psychology. I fleshed out my main character for a TV series, her monologue and dialogue and even plots and action. This course is a must before any film writing endeavour.”
Desiree Faust, Screenwriter
“This was an excellent workshop. Tons of original information laid out in a very clear way. Going to be incredibly useful when developing my screenplay.”
Robert Dee, Screenwriter
“I found the workshop really fun and thought provoking, giving me much more to consider when drawing out believable and relatable screen characters. Having written a couple of pilots already, I wish I had attended something like this earlier!”
Lesley McGlynn, Screenwriter
“I found this workshop brilliant.”
Aline Jewell, Filmmaker
“This workshop series was even better than I expected. The integration of concepts, film and script examples made for a rich learning experience. Kira-Anne is excellent at engaging everyone and provides ample opportunity to discuss ideas and ask questions.”
Professor Candace Egan, Media Producer | Screenwriter
“By the end of this course, you’ll know your characters better than you know yourself. I have yet to come across a workshop that goes into greater detail when plotting the personality, voice, and transformation of a character. Absolutely fascinating and invaluable to all fiction writers.”
Lili Kent, Writer
“This seminar was hands down the most valuable professional development session I have ever attended. It was utterly fascinating, with loads of links to how we could use this information in our practice. ”
Screenwriter, BBC Writersroom development scheme
“Kira-Anne’s workshop was a game changer for both my fictional writing and screenwriting. The in-depth analysis and science of characters that Kira-Anne teaches opened up multiple layers to my characters’ personalities, bringing them to life. You’ll leave Kira-Anne’s workshop knowing your characters as well as your family and close friends and this will take your writing to a whole new level. I highly recommend this informative and practical course!”
Jennie Griffiths, Co-founder, Collab Writers
“Loved it. Helped me move forward with a story I’ve been writing for about 20 years! ”
David Turner, FRSA, Artist