Institutions we've loved working with:
In our online workshops you will learn:
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Evidence-based approaches from psychology to develop complex, compelling and memorable characters that keep your readers and audiences engaged
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Simple tools that allow you to create fascinating character relationships
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Actionable insights from psychology that guarantee you'll create compelling and truthful character arcs
Wondering if our courses are for you?
Our courses are for writers of all levels and particularly if you've received any of the following notes:
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Your characters lack depth
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Your characters are unengaging
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Your characters' relationships fall flat
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Your characters lack unique voices
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Your protagonist's transformation is unconvincing
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Your narrative lacks tension
Courses
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Building Dynamic Character Relationships
CourseCompelling character relationships are vital to keep readers and audiences engaged. In this class we'll dig deep into your characters' psychology to ensure you create relationships that sizzle.
£15
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Developing Tension
CourseTension is essential for all compelling drama. But what is tension, how do you develop it and ensure you keep your readers and audiences engaged?
£15
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Introduction to Personality Psychology
CourseLearn how to make your characters believable, complex and memorable using the Big Five personality dimensions. (Zoom recording).
Free
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Writing from the Flaw
CourseThink of any memorable character, and it's often their flaw that first comes to mind. Learn what lies behind the flaw, how it influences beliefs, emotions and behaviour, and how characters are either transformed by, or consumed by their flaw.
£15
Meet your Instructor
Kira-Anne Pelican, PhD
Hi, I’m Kira-Anne and I'm the founder of Character Masterclass. I'm also the author of THE SCIENCE OF WRITING CHARACTERS (Bloomsbury, 2020), a course-book on screenwriting programmes across the world and now translated into three languages. As well as teaching character development, I also work as a script editor on independent films and high-end TV . And as you can probably imagine, I'm passionate about creating characters that audiences really connect with.
Want to learn more?
Need a bit more convincing?
“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
“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!!”
Wyndham Price, Writer/Director, Spinning Head Films (Winner BAFTA Cymru, Best Film)
“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
“Definitely worth every penny - it's transformed my writing. ”
“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
“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!!”
Wyndham Price, Writer/Director, Spinning Head Films (Winner BAFTA Cymru, Best Film)
“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
“Definitely worth every penny - it's transformed my writing. ”
“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