This writing course, Online: Character, Plot and Dialogue with R.W.R McDonald will take place online.
Learn how to craft compelling characters, write dialogue that feels real, and build plots that actually move.
What’s said aloud, what’s thought, and what’s left unsaid? How does a character speak differently to a friend, a boss, or a parent? And what do those choices set in motion?
Plot doesn’t just happen to your characters, they drive it. Character, dialogue and plot are deeply connected. A single line can reveal character, create tension, and shift the direction of a scene but only if you understand who your character is before they speak.
From background and beliefs to voice, behaviour and setting, every element shapes how your story unfolds and how your characters communicate within it. In this 6-week course with R.W.R McDonald, you’ll explore how plot, character and dialogue work together to build momentum, deepen conflict, and keep readers turning the page.
Topics we will cover include:
- Examining who your characters are in detail
- Real-world dialogue versus written
- Cutting to the chase
- Subtext
- Using action beats
- Playing with contrasts
- Character building and revealing
- Consistency and difference in dialogue between characters
- Driving the plot
- Dialogue tags
- Plot structures and key plot points
This course involves submitting short writing exercises, and giving and receiving peer feedback. Participants will receive limited tutor feedback.
This course takes place on a website specifically designed for writers, making it simple and easy to share your writing, give and receive feedback, and interact with fellow writers.
Please expect to dedicate a minimum of 3-4 hours to coursework each week. This includes reading, responding to discussions, writing, revising and providing peer feedback.
Course Outline
Week 1: Who are your characters?
We’ll start by examining who your characters are in detail, getting to know them through exploration and character questions.
Week 2: Characters through dialogue
Once we’ve started to really get to know your characters, that’s when the magic can happen. Bring them into 3D to make sure they’re realistic, consistent and ready for action. Let’s look at the fundamentals of dialogue – what makes it different to real-world speech? When it comes to adding authentic dialogue that brings your characters to life, how can you help the reader understand character and identify who is speaking?
Week 3: Dialogue nuts and bolts
This week, we’ll explore the best way to balance action with dialogue. Let’s talk about how to avoid pages and pages of description, and long scenes of characters acting like ‘talking heads’ with no movement or clear setting. Plus, we dive deep into one of the golden rules of writing: show don’t tell.
Week 4: Plot structures
This week we look at plot structures – both your story’s skeleton and its roadmap. Let’s look at a range of different plot structures and specific key turning points. What needs to happen at your midpoint? At your climax? Do you have an inciting incident? What helps stop a saggy middle?
Week 5: Successful plotting – your essential toolbox
Does your manuscript have strong plot points, defined by conflict? This week, we’ll explore the essentials you need in place for developing a successful and engaging plot for your story. We also discuss how dialogue can drive the plot forward and build suspense. Plus, a first aid kit to deal with specific plot problems – fix that saggy middle filled with plot holes!
Week 6: Suspense, foreshadowing and subtext
A plot isn’t simply a way to navigate a story from A to B. In this final week, we look at how to build suspense, foreshadow events, create subtext and multiple narrative layers. Let’s also explore some next steps for your writing, such as editing, refining, and finding the right publisher.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- Increase their understanding of the connection between character and dialogue.
- Apply examples to their own writing to evaluate and improve dialogue and its impact on characterisation.
- Reflect on their current writing practice when it comes to dialogue and subtext.
- Experiment with different forms of communication with their characters.
Participant Requirements
Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program. This interactive online course has limited places. Book early to avoid missing out.
Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >
You do not need to log into the course at a specific time and there are no live meetings. You will receive an email with an invitation link to join the online classroom a week before the course starts.
Lessons open on a weekly basis and you will have the week to work through the content. There will be some writing exercises and the opportunity to provide peer feedback. Both the writing exercises and peer feedback will have weekly deadlines.
Reviews
“So clear and practical. It was exactly what I’d been looking for.” ~ Rowena, 2021
“Rob was very generous in providing such comprehensive feedback, the course notes were also very helpful. I never knew there could be so much to dialogue!” ~ Lynette, 2021
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