“Writing about people is not about exposing them, but about understanding them deeply and showing their world to others.”
— Gay Talese

Character in nonfiction is complex. People aren’t invented in this genre of narrative nonfiction—they’re real people whose essence we discover through deep and thorough research. Once they land on our pages, however, they become characters. In this masterclass, New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Aalto explains what this means and its implications. She teaches you how to bring real people to life on the page, creating multidimensional characters who captivate readers and drive your narrative forward.

This course explores the art of crafting true and compelling nonfiction characters, blending rigorous research with creative storytelling techniques. You’ll learn how to portray your subjects with authenticity, depth, and nuance while adhering to the factual integrity of narrative nonfiction. Whether you’re writing a memoir, biography, essay, or longform journalism, this masterclass will help you ethically and accurately transform real individuals into unforgettable characters who resonate with readers.

What You’ll Learn:

• Researching Your Characters: Techniques for gathering details through interviews, observation, and archival research.
• Building Character Depth: Explore tools like dialogue, actions, and internal thoughts to create layered, believable portrayals.
• Writing with Empathy: Learn to balance honesty with sensitivity, portraying your subjects authentically and respectfully.
• The Power of Perspective: Discover how to write about people from different times, cultures, or backgrounds with insight and accuracy.
• Integrating Characters into Story: Seamlessly weave your characters into the broader narrative, ensuring they enhance the story’s arc and themes.

Course Highlights:

• Practical exercises to sharpen your character-building skills.
• Real-world examples of unforgettable nonfiction characters.
• Personalized feedback from Kathryn on character-driven excerpts of your work.

Who Should Attend:

This masterclass is perfect for writers working in memoir, biography, travel writing, or journalistic profiles who want to create vivid, compelling portrayals of real people. It’s suitable for all levels, from emerging writers to seasoned professionals seeking to refine their craft.

Course Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00–5:30 PM GMT
📍 Format: Live Online via Zoom (Recording Available)
💷 Tuition: £60 (includes workbook: Breathing Life Into Real People: A Guide to Character in Nonfiction by Kathryn Aalto)

Join Kathryn Aalto in this inspiring masterclass and learn to elevate your nonfiction by creating characters who linger in the minds and hearts of your readers. Read more here:

• “The Ethics of Writing About People” by Phillip Lopate in Creative Nonfiction