Class

Superbad! The Good Stuff for Your Bad Guy

Is your villain “superbad?” Through character study, in-class discussion, and guided practice, we’ll explore how to build exquisitely creepy, psychologically complex, three-dimensional villains our readers will love to hate, and whose rich, well-motivated agendas kick our stories into overdrive! First, we’ll dissect some of fiction’s most memorable villains, to identify why they’re so compelling. Next, we’ll discuss the essential craft elements we must use to build effective villains, and why having a deep understanding of our chosen genre is vitally important. Finally, we’ll do some hands-on character development exercises to craft a villain who’s exciting, worthy, and who defies those “Snidely Whiplash” stereotypes.

Bring some writing materials, your imagination, and perhaps a bag lunch. We'll eat while we write, and take breaks as needed.

Please email [email protected] if you have any accessibility requests for this class. This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book; we encourage participants to be fully vaccinated and masked in the interest of everyone’s safety. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.