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Lecture Notes in Creative Nonfiction

Character and Characterization

Characters are one of the most important elements in creative writing, as they drive the narrative and
allow readers to connect with the story. The way writers develop and present their characters, known as
characterization, shapes how the audience perceives and engages with them. Understanding the
nuances of character creation and effective characterization techniques is essential for crafting
compelling stories.

Definition of Character

A character in creative writing is a person, figure, or entity that plays a role in the story. Characters are
often the focal point of the plot, and their actions, thoughts, and decisions influence the story's
direction. They can be human or non-human (animals, mythical creatures, robots) and may range from
fully fleshed-out individuals to more symbolic or abstract figures.

Characterization

Characterization refers to the process by which an author develops and reveals a character's
personality, motives, and background. It can be achieved in two primary ways: direct characterization
and indirect characterization.

1. Direct Characterization:

o Definition: The author explicitly describes the character's traits, personality, or

appearance. The reader does not have to infer anything about the character.

o Examples:

 "John was a tall, stern man with piercing blue eyes."

 "Sarah was generous and kind, always helping those in need."

o Key Points:

 Direct characterization tells the reader straightforward information about the

character.

 This method can save time and is often used for minor characters or when clarity
is needed.

2. Indirect Characterization:

o Definition: The author shows the character’s traits through their actions, dialogue,
thoughts, and interactions with other characters. The reader must infer the character's
personality from these clues.

o Examples:

 Speech: How does the character talk? ("I don’t care what happens to them!"
implies cruelty or indifference.)

 Thoughts: What is the character thinking? (An internal monologue can reveal
insecurities or desires.)

 Effect on others: How do other characters react to or talk about this character?
("Everyone always relies on Sarah when they need help" implies reliability and
kindness.)

 Actions: What does the character do? (Volunteering for a cause shows compassion,
while lying might reveal dishonesty.)

 Looks: How does the character present themselves? (Disheveled clothes might
indicate carelessness or a lack of self-care.)

o Key Points:
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 Indirect characterization allows for more depth and reader engagement.

 This method encourages readers to think critically about the characters and draw
their own conclusions.

Methods of Characterization

To fully develop characters, writers use a combination of tools, often summarized as the STEAL method:

1. Speech: What does the character say, and how do they say it? Their choice of words, tone, and
style of speaking can reveal personality traits.

2. Thoughts: What are the character’s internal thoughts and feelings? These provide insight into
their motivations, desires, and conflicts.

3. Effect on Others: How do other characters perceive, react to, or interact with this character? This
can reveal both the character’s social standing and their influence on the world.

4. Actions: What does the character do, and how do they behave? Their choices and behavior can
be a window into their morals, personality, and beliefs.

5. Looks: How is the character described physically? Their appearance, clothing, and mannerisms
can suggest aspects of their personality or background.

Character Development

Creating well-rounded characters involves the following key elements:

1. Backstory:

o The character’s background, past experiences, and life events that shape their present
personality. A solid backstory helps explain their motivations, fears, and desires.

2. Motivation:

o What drives the character? Motivation is the reason behind the character’s actions and
decisions. Well-developed characters have clear, believable motivations that align with
their behavior.

3. Conflict:

o Characters should face internal or external conflicts that test their values and prompt
growth. Internal conflicts involve emotional or psychological struggles, while external
conflicts involve challenges with other characters or the environment.

4. Character Arc:

o The character arc refers to the personal journey and transformation a character
undergoes over the course of the story. Dynamic characters often experience a change in
their beliefs, values, or outlook on life.

Examples of Strong Characterization in Literature

1. Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby:

o Gatsby is characterized indirectly through his mysterious background, lavish lifestyle, and
the way other characters perceive him. His actions reveal his deep longing for love and
acceptance.

2. Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice:

o Elizabeth’s sharp wit, independent nature, and refusal to conform to societal expectations
are revealed through her dialogue and interactions with other characters.

3. Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird:

o Atticus is characterized as morally upright and compassionate through both direct and
indirect means—his actions, speech, and how others in the community regard him.
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Conclusion

In creative writing, characters bring stories to life. Whether they are heroes, villains, or minor players,
the way they are developed and revealed through characterization defines how engaging and believable
a narrative is. By mastering both direct and indirect characterization and paying attention to elements
like backstory, motivation, and conflict, writers can create memorable characters that resonate with
readers.

Setting and Atmosphere

Setting and atmosphere are critical components in creative writing that establish the context and
emotional tone of a story. Together, they provide a backdrop for the narrative, influencing characters’
actions and shaping the overall mood of the piece. Understanding how to effectively craft setting and
atmosphere is key to immersing readers in a fictional world.

Definition of Setting

The setting refers to the time and place in which a story unfolds. It encompasses the physical, social,
historical, and cultural environment that surrounds the characters. Setting provides a foundation for the
plot, influences the characters, and helps to establish the story’s overall tone.

Elements of Setting

1. Geographical Location:

o Definition: The physical place where the story takes place. It could be real (e.g., New York
City) or fictional (e.g., Middle-Earth).

o Examples:

 A small town in rural America.

 A bustling city in the future.

2. Time Period:

o Definition: The era or historical moment in which the story occurs.

o Examples:

 Victorian England in the 1800s.

 A dystopian future in the 22nd century.

3. Physical Environment:

o Definition: The specific physical surroundings, such as landscapes, buildings, weather, and
climate, that shape the narrative’s atmosphere.

o Examples:

 A stormy night in a haunted mansion.

 A sunlit meadow in spring.

4. Social and Cultural Context:

o Definition: The customs, beliefs, and social structures that influence the characters and
plot. This includes political systems, social hierarchies, cultural norms, and traditions.

o Examples:

 A strict religious community in a small village.

 A futuristic society governed by technology.

5. Historical Context:
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o Definition: The historical events or circumstances that shape the narrative. Stories set in
specific historical periods may incorporate real-life events or issues that influence the
characters and plot.

o Examples:

 A story set during World War II.

 A narrative set in the aftermath of a global pandemic.

Functions of Setting

1. Creates a Backdrop for the Story:

o The setting provides a physical and social context for the events in the story. It allows
readers to visualize the world in which the characters live and interact.

2. Establishes Mood and Atmosphere:

o The setting helps establish the emotional tone of the story. A dark, gloomy setting can
evoke feelings of fear or suspense, while a bright, cheerful setting can create a sense of
joy or hope.

3. Influences Character Behavior:

o The environment can shape a character’s personality, beliefs, and actions. For example,
characters growing up in a war-torn country might behave differently from those in a
peaceful suburb.

4. Drives Plot Development:

o The setting can be an active force in the story. For instance, a natural disaster like a flood
or earthquake might serve as a major plot event.

5. Symbolism and Themes:

o Settings can symbolize broader themes or ideas. A decaying city might represent societal
collapse, while a serene forest could symbolize tranquility or escape.

Types of Setting

1. Integral Setting:

o Definition: An integral setting is essential to the plot. The time and place are specific and
deeply tied to the narrative’s events, shaping the characters and plot.

o Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, the setting of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great
Depression is integral to the story’s exploration of racial prejudice and social justice.

2. Backdrop Setting:

o Definition: A backdrop setting is more generic and not essential to the plot. The story
could happen anywhere, and the focus is primarily on character interaction rather than
the specific environment.

o Example: A romance novel set in a generic modern-day city where the plot focuses on the
characters’ relationships rather than the location.

Definition of Atmosphere

The atmosphere refers to the emotional tone or mood created by the setting, language, and other
literary elements. Atmosphere evokes certain feelings or emotions in the reader and helps establish the
overall emotional landscape of the story. While the setting provides the physical context, the
atmosphere affects how the reader experiences that environment emotionally.

Creating Atmosphere in Writing

1. Setting Details:
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o The use of sensory details (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste) helps to immerse the
reader in the story and contribute to the atmosphere.

o Examples:

 "The rain lashed against the windows, and the wind howled through the trees"
creates a tense, foreboding atmosphere.

 "Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room"
creates a peaceful, serene atmosphere.

2. Word Choice (Diction):

o The language used by the author significantly impacts the atmosphere. Words with
positive connotations can create a cheerful or lighthearted mood, while words with
negative connotations can evoke fear, sadness, or tension.

o Examples:

 Positive: "The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and the sky blazed with the colors
of sunset."

 Negative: "The shadows loomed over the cracked pavement, and a chill crept
through the air."

3. Imagery and Symbolism:

o Imagery and symbolic details can enhance the atmosphere. For example, stormy weather
might symbolize turmoil, while a setting sun could represent an ending or transition.

o Examples:

 A withered garden might symbolize decay or loss.

 A vibrant marketplace might represent life and energy.

4. Pacing and Rhythm:

o The pacing of the narrative can also influence the atmosphere. Short, choppy sentences
can create a sense of urgency or tension, while longer, flowing sentences may create a
more relaxed or contemplative mood.

o Examples:

 "The footsteps grew louder. Closer. Then silence."

 "The river meandered slowly, winding its way through the valley under the endless
blue sky."

Examples of Setting and Atmosphere in Literature

1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë:

o Setting: The isolated, wild moors of England play a crucial role in the novel. The harsh
landscape reflects the passionate and tumultuous relationships between the characters.

o Atmosphere: The atmosphere is dark, gothic, and often oppressive, reflecting themes of
love, revenge, and obsession.

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

o Setting: The novel is set in the Roaring Twenties in New York, with lavish parties at
Gatsby’s mansion and the contrasting valley of ashes, representing the divide between
wealth and poverty.

o Atmosphere: The setting creates an atmosphere of both glamor and decadence, with an
underlying sense of disillusionment and moral decay.
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3. The Road by Cormac McCarthy:

o Setting: The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world, characterized by desolate

landscapes, ruined cities, and a barren, gray atmosphere.

o Atmosphere: The bleak setting creates a haunting, oppressive atmosphere that mirrors
the themes of survival and loss of humanity.

Techniques for Developing Setting and Atmosphere in Writing

1. Use of Specific, Concrete Details:

o Instead of vague descriptions, use specific, vivid details to create a clear picture of the
setting and enhance the atmosphere.

o Example: Instead of saying, “It was a dark night,” say, “The moon was obscured by
clouds, and the streets were empty, save for the flickering streetlamp at the corner.”

2. Incorporate the Senses:

o Engage multiple senses to make the setting come alive for the reader. Describe not just
what the character sees, but also what they hear, smell, feel, or taste.

o Example: “The scent of pine needles filled the air as the crunch of footsteps echoed
through the forest.”

3. Balance Dialogue with Description:

o Interweave dialogue with descriptions of the setting to maintain the atmosphere without
slowing down the narrative.

o Example: “We should leave,” John whispered, glancing at the fog creeping closer through
the trees.

4. Use Setting to Reflect the Internal State of Characters:

o The setting can mirror or contrast the emotions and psychological states of the
characters, adding depth to the atmosphere.

o Example: A character feeling lost or confused might wander through a dense, foggy
forest, while a happy character might be in a bright, open field.

Conclusion

In creative writing, setting and atmosphere work hand in hand to create a vivid, immersive experience
for the reader. The setting grounds the story in a specific time and place, while the atmosphere shapes
the emotional and psychological tone. By carefully crafting both elements, writers can enhance their
storytelling, evoke emotions, and engage readers in the fictional world they've created.

Symbols and Symbolism

Symbols and symbolism are powerful tools in creative writing that enable authors to convey deeper
meanings beyond the literal content of the story. By using symbols, writers can represent abstract ideas
or themes, enrich the narrative, and create layers of interpretation for readers. Understanding how to
use symbolism effectively is essential for crafting stories with emotional depth and thematic resonance.

Definition of a Symbol

A symbol is an object, character, setting, or action that stands for something more than its literal
meaning. Symbols are often tangible objects or elements that represent abstract concepts or ideas
within a story. For example, a rose might symbolize love, beauty, or passion, depending on the context.

Definition of Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of symbols in a literary work to suggest deeper meanings or represent larger
concepts. Writers use symbolism to enhance the emotional, thematic, and intellectual layers of their
stories. It allows readers to interpret the narrative on multiple levels, making the story richer and more
complex.
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Types of Symbols in Creative Writing

1. Universal Symbols (Archetypes):

o Definition: Symbols that are universally recognized and understood across cultures and
time periods. These symbols often evoke deep, emotional responses because of their
common associations.

o Examples:

 Water: Represents life, purity, or renewal.

 Light: Symbolizes knowledge, hope, or goodness.

 Darkness: Represents ignorance, evil, or death.

2. Contextual Symbols:

o Definition: Symbols that have specific meanings within the context of a particular story or
piece of writing. These symbols may not have the same significance outside the story.

o Examples:

 The green light in The Great Gatsby represents Gatsby's unattainable dream and
the idea of the American Dream.

 The conch shell in Lord of the Flies symbolizes order and civilization within the
specific context of the boys’ society.

3. Cultural Symbols:

o Definition: Symbols that hold meaning within a specific culture, society, or religion. These
symbols may not be universally understood but resonate deeply with those familiar with
the cultural context.

o Examples:

 The lotus flower in many Asian cultures symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and
spiritual awakening.

 The bald eagle in the United States represents freedom, power, and patriotism.

4. Personal Symbols:

o Definition: Symbols that have personal meaning to a character or author, often reflecting
their experiences, emotions, or inner conflicts. These symbols are unique to the story and
the characters.

o Examples:

 A locket that a character wears might symbolize their connection to a lost loved
one.

 A broken mirror might represent a character’s fractured identity or distorted self-

perception.

Functions of Symbolism in Creative Writing

1. Enhances Theme:

o Symbols help to underscore and reinforce the central themes of the story. By representing
key ideas or concepts, they make abstract themes more tangible and relatable to the
reader.

o Example: In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the windmill symbolizes the manipulation of
ideals and the failure of utopian dreams, reinforcing the novel’s theme of political
corruption.
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2. Adds Depth and Layers of Meaning:

o Symbolism adds complexity to the narrative by allowing readers to interpret the story on
multiple levels. A single object or action can carry both literal and symbolic meanings,
creating a richer reading experience.

o Example: In William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, the boys’ descent into savagery is
symbolized by the destruction of the conch shell, adding layers to the story about the
fragility of civilization.

3. Creates Emotional Resonance:

o Symbols often evoke strong emotional responses because they tap into universal human
experiences, beliefs, and fears. This emotional connection deepens the reader’s
engagement with the story.

o Example: The scarlet letter in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter evokes feelings of
shame, guilt, and societal judgment, creating a powerful emotional impact.

4. Foreshadowing and Subtle Storytelling:

o Symbols can be used to subtly foreshadow events or character developments, providing

clues to the reader about what may happen later in the story.

o Example: In The Great Gatsby, the color yellow appears repeatedly and symbolizes decay
and corruption, hinting at the tragic outcomes of the characters’ lives.

5. Reveals Character’s Inner State:

o Symbols can be used to reflect a character’s inner emotions, conflicts, or development.

Changes in symbolic objects or elements can mirror changes in the character.

o Example: In Jane Eyre, the changing weather often mirrors Jane’s emotional state. Storms
and cold symbolize her inner turmoil, while sunshine represents her moments of
happiness and peace.

Examples of Symbolism in Literature

1. The Green Light in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

o Symbol: The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock.

o Symbolic Meaning: It represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, specifically his
longing for Daisy and the American Dream. It symbolizes the unattainable and elusive
nature of those dreams.

2. The Mockingbird in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:

o Symbol: The mockingbird.

o Symbolic Meaning: The mockingbird symbolizes innocence and goodness. The idea that it
is a "sin to kill a mockingbird" refers to the notion of harming innocent people who bring
beauty and kindness to the world, such as Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.

3. The Conch Shell in Lord of the Flies by William Golding:

o Symbol: The conch shell.

o Symbolic Meaning: The conch shell symbolizes law, order, and civilization. As long as the
boys respect the conch, they maintain some form of structured society. Its destruction
represents the collapse of that order.

4. Fire in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury:

o Symbol: Fire.
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o Symbolic Meaning: Fire in the novel represents both destruction and rebirth. The firemen
use fire to destroy books and suppress knowledge, while at the same time, fire is seen as
a symbol of warmth, renewal, and the potential for a new beginning at the novel's
conclusion.

5. The Red A in The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

o Symbol: The scarlet letter "A".

o Symbolic Meaning: The scarlet letter worn by Hester Prynne symbolizes both sin and
shame as well as resilience and strength. Initially a mark of adultery, the letter transforms
into a symbol of Hester's endurance and individuality.

Techniques for Incorporating Symbolism

1. Use Repetition:

o Symbols often gain power through repetition. By repeatedly referencing a symbol in

different contexts, its meaning can evolve or intensify over the course of the story.

o Example: The frequent mention of the color green in The Great Gatsby continually
reinforces its connection to Gatsby’s desires and dreams.

2. Use Subtlety:

o Effective symbolism often requires subtlety. Instead of forcing a symbol’s meaning on the
reader, allow them to infer the deeper meaning through context and usage.

o Example: In Moby Dick, the whale is not directly described as a symbol but represents
various ideas such as nature’s power, the unknown, and obsession, allowing readers to
draw their own conclusions.

3. Allow for Multiple Interpretations:

o A good symbol can carry multiple meanings or interpretations depending on the reader’s
perspective or the context of the story.

o Example: The river in Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn symbolizes freedom
for Huck and Jim, but it also represents the uncertainty and danger of their journey.

4. Tie Symbols to Themes:

o When creating symbols, connect them to the central themes of the story. This strengthens
the overall message and makes the symbolism more coherent and meaningful.

o Example: The glass paperweight in George Orwell’s 1984 symbolizes Winston’s attempt to
preserve the past and his fragile sense of hope in a dystopian society where the past is
constantly erased.

Conclusion

Symbols and symbolism enrich creative writing by adding layers of meaning and emotional depth to a
story. By using symbols, writers can communicate complex ideas, reinforce themes, and evoke
emotional responses from their readers. When used effectively, symbolism allows readers to engage
with a story on a deeper level, interpreting the narrative through a variety of lenses and uncovering
hidden meanings within the text.