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IWW Practice-W Exercise Archives
Exercise: Characterization

These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writers Workshop (http://www.internetwritingworkshop.org/)

Prepared by: Florence Cardinal
Posted on: Sun, 11 Feb 2001
Reposted on: Sun, 8 Dec 2002


CHARACTERIZATION

A story is only as strong as your characters. In fact, some writers start with nothing but a character, and build the plot around him or her.

For this assignment, in 250 words or less, describe one of your male characters so we can see him. We don't want things like: He had red hair or he was a tall man. Make us see "red" and "tall."

Use whatever you need. Description, satire, exaggeration. Dialogue's fine, too. Think of "show, don't tell."

When you've finished the male character, try the same exercise using a woman character.


Florence Cardinal's wrap-up
Posted on: December 17, 2002

I've just read through all the subs for this exercise again. What an amazing mixture of characters I met. Most of you did fulfill the requirements of the exercise. I did note one or two who did some telling rather than showing.

But all it takes is practice, which is what this list is all about. I'm sure we'll be doing this exercise again.

Thanks to all who sent in submissions and all the critiques given.

Florence


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