Class

Evil and Empathy: How to Create Complexity in Villains and Other Characters

What is the nature of evil and how do we address it in fiction? We'll look at archetypal villains (think: fairy tales) as well as more complex monsters, such as the hero turned bad or the devil with whom we can't help but empathize. Do we want to empathize with the villains in stories? What is gained and lost by it? Won't it just make us see the evil in—gasp!—ourselves?

Through examination of shadow selves, conflicting motivation and desire, and the creation of change in characters, we'll figure out how complex villains come alive on the page. Sample texts will include a few craft essays, as well as excerpts of fiction by writers such as Ted Chiang, Danielle Evans, Kiese Laymon, Kellie Link, Chigozie Obioma, Helen Oyeyemi, ZZ Packer, and Leslie Marmon Silko. Then, through concrete prompts and exercises, we'll create our own heroes, villains, and complex combinations of the two. Disclaimer: The class will focus on villains, but you won't escape learning about complexity in other sorts of characters as well.

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Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.