Bret Easton Ellis, author of American Psycho, claims: “The best way to create a memorable character is to make them both repellent and fascinating at the same time.” Indeed, more crucial than the likability of a protagonist is his/her charisma—even if that charisma only serves to hide complicated or even depraved psyches. In this class, we’ll be exploring some morally questionable protagonists, from authors such as Jim Thompson, Patricia Highsmith, and Flannery O’Connor. We’ll then try our hand at creating some of these fascinating, and sometimes terrifying, characters in our own work.
This course is a part of Thrills and Chills Fest, a weekend celebration of thriller, mystery, crime, and suspense taking place on March 15 and 16, with the opportunity to engage in craft seminars, panels, happy hours, and fun evening events. Learn more here.
