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Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints

(Write Great Fiction)

Nancy Kress (Goodreads Author)

4.03 · Rating details · 1,983 ratings · 186 reviews

Create Complex Characters

How do you create a main character readers won't forget? How do you write a book in multiple-third-person point of view without confusing your readers (or yourself)? How do you plant essential information about a character's past into a story?

Write Great Fiction: Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint by award-winning author Nancy Kress answers all of the ...more

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Paperback, First Edition, 232 pages

Published March 15th 2005 by Writer's Digest Books

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Apr 30, 2013 David rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: writers, especially head-hopping melodramatic writers

Shelves: non-fiction, female-author, writing, ebook

Eventually, reading books about how to write is just another way to put off writing. I've said before that I think I've exhausted what I can gain from such books, not because I'm now the best writer I can be (I'm not, or at least I hope I'm not) but because you have to learn by doing, not by reading about it.

That said, I begin to distinguish between writing advice books aimed at "beginning," "intermediate," and "advanced" writers. Though the latter is hypothetical - an "advanced" writer would pr ...more

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Jun 17, 2017 LATOYA JOVENA rated it really liked it

At first this book seemed like a regurgitation of basic things I already knew. But I hung in there and learned a lot. I'd advise any aspiring author to do the same. ...more

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Mar 12, 2020 Rissa rated it really liked it

Characters emotions and viewpoints⭐️
Every time I pick up a new writing book I learned something different or get some other insightful tips. What I liked most about this one is that it had a lot of exercises to do writing exercises that is. So I mark them off so that way when I am stuck or I need help or I just want some thing to keep my mind writing I can’t flip to it quickly. I recommend picking up this book I enjoyed it.

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Jul 12, 2019 Max Mulholland rated it it was amazing

An outstanding collection of explanations, examples, & exercises to improve your writing by focusing on character development. I've learned a lot from this book and I am busy applying it to my own writing. I highly recommend it to new and emerging writers. This book will be staying on my reference shelf-or more likely, open on my desk-for some time to come. ...more

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Jun 02, 2020 Meghal Bhatt rated it did not like it

Shelves: not-for-me

Boring and repetitive. Better books out there.

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Mar 13, 2016 Joy Pixley rated it it was amazing

I found this book to be very useful at helping me work through some issues with the characters in my novel. The relatively narrow focus means Kress can delve deeply into each of the issues she covers. The first seven chapters are about deciding and showing who your characters are, including how their outer presentation might not match their inner thoughts, and how they might (or might not) change over the course of the book. I appreciated the level of detail here. I thought I had a pretty good h I found this book to be very useful at helping me work through some issues with the characters in my novel. The relatively narrow focus means Kress can delve deeply into each of the issues she covers. The first seven chapters are about deciding and showing who your characters are, including how their outer presentation might not match their inner thoughts, and how they might (or might not) change over the course of the book. I appreciated the level of detail here. I thought I had a pretty good handle on my main characters, but every chapter encouraged me to think about something new, or in more depth than I had before. The middle four chapters deal with how to think about and then show your characters' emotions. This time around, I especially appreciated the chapter on how different types of people respond differently to frustration, and how to express that for your main characters. This is key for just about any story, since whatever it is your characters want to achieve, if they got it easily you'd have a short book! The last four chapters go into wonderful detail about point of view strategies. I appreciated how the author gave the pros and cons for each type, including which are currently more popular, without coming down hard on either a literary or a commercial stance. That is, she never says, "This is better, and you should do it this way," but instead says, "If you decide to do it this other way, you should know what difficulties you'll face."

Throughout the chapters, Kress uses examples very effectively. When she refers to classic characters, she usually uses several, so that if you haven’t read all of the same books, hopefully you recognize at least one or two (she also describes them). If you haven't read any of the books, you'll be at a disadvantage. But I'd think reading a synopsis online would give you enough of an idea of, say, Anna Karenina or Mr. Darcy to understand what Kress means.

Since this is a book that I already know I'll be going back to again and again, I appreciate how well-organized it is, with clear sub-section headings within each chapter so you can quickly find the part you want to re-read. At the end of each chapter, Kress gives a recap of the chapter and includes several exercises to try. I didn't see much point in the recaps, but they didn't take up much space. The exercises were hit and miss. I usually don't actually do exercises anyway, but I like to think them through. When the exercises were specific to the characters in my WIP, they made the most sense to me. And some of the exercises about observing others' behavior (e.g., in public, or interacting with friends) and thinking about how that applies to writing were also interesting. However, many of the writing exercises were completely unrelated to the reader's WIP characters and seemed off-track; presumably anyone reading this book wants to apply it to a current project.

Overall, it's a great craft book, and I would definitely recommend it.
...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Colin Smith rated it really liked it

As the title says, this is a craft book for writers giving helpful guidance on creating believable characters, using emotion effectively and in a way that helps build character and add to the story, and choosing the correct point of view for your story. Nancy Kress is a published author of both fiction and non-fiction.

The more craft books I read, the less often I find anything really new to offer in terms of tips and advice. Usually it's the same information in different dress. Sometimes I find As the title says, this is a craft book for writers giving helpful guidance on creating believable characters, using emotion effectively and in a way that helps build character and add to the story, and choosing the correct point of view for your story. Nancy Kress is a published author of both fiction and non-fiction.

The more craft books I read, the less often I find anything really new to offer in terms of tips and advice. Usually it's the same information in different dress. Sometimes I find information that contradicts other writer's advice, but most recognize that writing is an art, not an exact science. The best books like this can offer are tips, suggestions, and best practice advice.

On the positive front, Kress's book is very readable. She offers lots of good suggestions, engagingly written, with plenty of examples. Each chapter concludes with a summary and a series of exercises to help the reader put into practice the principles discussed. She doesn't take the "my way or the highway" approach to writing. There are many different approaches to the novel, and her suggestions are simply to help the aspiring writer choose the best path for himself, and avoid the pitfalls many novices fall into (purple prose, telling not showing, etc.).

The only negative I found was that Kress's discussion of viewpoint didn't mention the role that tense plays. For example, the first person POV is certainly hindered by the fact that the protagonist is telling the story, so you know she survives. However, if the book is written in the present tense, that certainty is removed. Also, you gain an even greater sense of immediacy as you experience events along with her.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it as one of the better craft books out there. Not as good as ON WRITING by Stephen King, but few craft books rise to that level (IMO). There is some mild profanity in some of the examples she uses, but I doubt that would bother the audience for which this book is intended. ...more

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Sep 19, 2013 Mary Catelli rated it really liked it

Shelves: how-to-write

A how-to-write book. Covering exactly the topics described in the title.

Goes into all sort of aspects, Like complicated motives, character change, the different types of POV (first, third, omniscient, epistolary), humorous characters and how they differ from the usual rules, what you need to know about the character's background in order to write, the complications that you have view the character as the reader will, the importance of putting attitude into the description, and more. ...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Don Incognito rated it really liked it

This is a helpful book on creating character and one of the more helpful writing books I've read overall. As a writer, for some regrettable reason I have a hard time absorbing the lessons in writing books; this one actually reaches me somewhat. Excellent exercises. Writers should read it unless they've already read many books on character. ...more

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Jan 06, 2021 Ejayen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: remo-2021, non-fiction, writing

I've not much to say about this book as I was reading it in a bit of a hurry as it was borrowed, but I've lots of notes. ...more

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Jun 20, 2019 Michele rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Very useful and will keep in handy while out long my book series.

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Oct 12, 2016 Bernie Gourley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: writers wanting insight into improving character development.

This book is about how to write characters with sufficient depth that readers will follow them through to the end of a story. As the title suggests, there are three major components to the book: character building, emotional considerations, and point of view. A story requires a character who needs or wants something and faces barriers to that goal. The character has to be someone that the reader is interested in seeing through a process that involves inching toward a goal while being repeatedly This book is about how to write characters with sufficient depth that readers will follow them through to the end of a story. As the title suggests, there are three major components to the book: character building, emotional considerations, and point of view. A story requires a character who needs or wants something and faces barriers to that goal. The character has to be someone that the reader is interested in seeing through a process that involves inching toward a goal while being repeatedly beaten back. This doesn’t mean the character has to be likable, but if the character is unrealistic and uninteresting readers won’t get far. (In other words, they don’t have to like the character, but they do have to feel some sort of way about them.) Facing barriers to one’s goals creates emotional states that must feel authentic. If a character doesn’t respond emotionally to events, then the story is likely to feel flat (unless one has built a hilarious Sheldon Cooper-like character on purpose.) The perspective from which the reader learns of events is critical because it determines what information the reader is privy to, and—in particular—information about thoughts and emotions that are sometimes falsely portrayed.

Of the sixteen chapters that comprise the book, the first seven explore character development. Chapter 1 describes character in terms of general types. The book goes on to discuss the importance of how one introduces key characters. The next three chapters drill down into the challenge of building an authentic character: 1.) What is the character like deep down? 2.) Are the motives of the character clear-cut or complex? 3.) How can one show that the character has changed over the course of the story, and, if they don’t change, will the reader be satisfied? Chapters 6 and 7 investigate specialized types of characters (i.e. genre characters such as in romance, mystery, thriller, or sci-fi [Ch. 6] and in humor [Ch.7.])

Chapters 8 through 11 examine emotion and how it’s conveyed to the reader. The means by which writers communicate emotion include: dialogue (Ch. 8), metaphor, symbolism, and sensory experience (Ch.9.) Chapter 10 delves into special cases that are common in fiction but which require unique consideration (love, fighting, and dying.) Frustration has its own chapter (Ch.11,) and that may seem odd, but one must remember that a story is one barrier after another being erected in the way of the character’s pursuit of his or her objective.

The next four chapters present information to help the writer evaluate different approaches to viewpoint. Not only are there various pros, cons, and considerations one must take into account when deciding upon viewpoint, each approach has a several variations. The first of these chapters (Ch. 12) outlines the broad-based considerations. The next three chapters deal with first person (Ch. 13), third person (Ch. 14), and omniscient points of view (Ch. 15,) respectively. (The rarely used 2nd person point of view is also discussed briefly, but largely as a warning.) The last chapter explores how to make it all work by way of what Kress calls the “fourth persona.” Early in the book, one is told that the writer must simultaneously embody three personas (i.e. the writer, the character, and the reader.) Kress’s “fourth persona” is that of the critic, and it becomes necessary once one has drafted a story and character.

The book has a few extras. At the end of each chapters there are several (usually 4 to 6) exercises to help writers understand the concepts through practice. The chapters each have summaries, and at the end of the book there’s a summary in the form of a checklist. That is about it for ancillary features. There are a couple graphics in the form of pictures of a “mini-bio” and an “emotional mini-bio.” These are single page fill-in-the blank summaries that help one build a character that has depth and an authentic feel.

I found this book to be interesting and educational. The writer uses examples from a number of popular commercial and literary fiction authors. There’s no real need to be familiar with any particular author, but being familiar with them might present one with additional insights. The book is readable.

I would recommend this book for writers of fiction.
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Jul 28, 2014 Elizabeth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction-writing-guides, reviewed, women-authors, kindle-eas

Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints (Write Great Fiction)
by Nancy Kress

This book is very similar to the author’s Dynamic Characters: How to Create Personalities That Keep Readers Captivated - some of the text is word for word.

This books covers more topics and has writing exercises at the end of each chapter. The book is written with very specific and helpful advice about the craft of writing and contains many examples ...more

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Aug 23, 2015 Justin rated it really liked it

Shelves: writing

I found this book to be about as helpful as Orson Scott Card's Characters and Viewpoint, but more in depth. If you aren't a beginner, some of it is a refresher, but there are things I hadn't learned about before. In 16 chapters and three sections, Kress covers types of characters, introducing characters, characters' genuine selves, character motivation, character change, protagonists in genre fiction, and humorous characters. As for emotion, she talks about dialogue and thoughts, emotions throug ...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Lisa M rated it it was amazing

4.5*s This book is a bit weak on developing characters (see below), but strong on what to do with your characters once you develop them. Topics such as motivation, emotion, dialogue, point of view, etc. are covered.

If you're looking for examples of characters, try The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes and Heroines or 45 Master Characters: Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters. There are a number of other similar books, but those are two that I'm familiar with. ...more

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Jun 14, 2010 Jaime rated it really liked it

Shelves: writing, 2010

This book was more textbook-like than most of the writing books I have, but I found it quite useful, even if it was slow reading (But not dry! The writing was entertaining.). The parts I found most useful were about using humor and emotion, and the differences between types of point of view. I often get confused between the various types of third person and omniscient, so it was nice to have it explained and see some examples. There are also writing exercises at the end of each section. I haven’ ...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Debbie Johansson rated it really liked it

I found this a very helpful book on characters, setting and explaining the differences with points of view. I wish I had read this book earlier as I could have saved myself a lot of hassle with re-writes. Now that I've read it, I will be working through the exercises within the book to improve my own writing. Highly recommended. ...more

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Dec 05, 2009 Amanda Patterson rated it really liked it

Excellent reference book for fiction writers. Most first time novelists don't realise how important viewpoint is. And characters. Everyone starts writing a novel without knowing who the baddie is - that's why they can't finish it.Great book. Highly recommended. ...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Jonathan Peto rated it it was amazing

Shelves: about-writing, nonfiction

This book got me thinking about my writing even when the focus was old hat. What more could I ask for?

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May 01, 2014 Tasha rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, read_in_2015, on-writing

Even though some of the things in here were already known to me this was still a big help. Love the exercises!

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Dec 18, 2015 Anthony Vicino rated it it was amazing

One of the best books I've read on viewpoint. Character and emotion stuff was also very good. ...more

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Sep 28, 2018 Doree Weller rated it it was amazing

People always complain that my characters are "gray," and even though I have good stories, character is the heart, and if I'm not getting that right, no one but people who love me are going to want to read my story. It's been frustrating to me because although I want to do what my critique group tells me to and give my characters more agency, I haven't seen how to do it, and trial and error wasn't working for me.

This book gives concrete examples on how to make characters more dynamic, and I fina ...more

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Oct 18, 2018 Patrick DiJusto rated it liked it

Shelves: 2018

Remember that scene in the movie Amadeus, where Antonio Salieri complains to the priest about how badly God has treated him and his music? I feel somewhat the same way about writing fiction: "All I wanted was to write science fiction. Why did God implant the desire? Like a lust in my body! And then deny me the talent?"

So I read books like this one, which gives good, solid advice on how to develop believable fictional characters and how to place them in the right fictional situations. The advice ...more

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May 26, 2020 Ryan Patrick rated it it was ok

Shelves: writing, non-fiction-2020

I feel like I learned more about creating good characters in the Plot book in this series (Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish) than I did in this book, but otherwise it was fine - not amazing, but fine. ...more

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Jul 25, 2019 Julie rated it really liked it

Shelves: writing, nonfiction

Great book with lots of information I loved the recap feature at the end of each chapter. Some of the sections weren’t especially useful, such as the omniscient POV section. Parts of it were slow, not because of bad writing but because of dense information. Also a few rare times the author explained a rule as it applied to a particular passage rather than in more universal terms. It still made sense but made taking notes challenging.

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Feb 22, 2018 A. R. rated it really liked it

Shelves: writing-craft

This book is filled with ideas on how to create characters and tell their story in an easy to follow detailed manner. Kress gives many examples and exercises to help the writer learn to sharpen their skills. There is so much to consider when reading this book. I recommend taking your time and working on your writing at the same time implementing the ideas presented.

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Aug 13, 2019 R.J. Sorrento rated it really liked it

Very helpful guide. A resource I’ve tabbed and will revisit. My only qualm is I wanted more detail particularly regarding character emotions. Great overview, however, and the POV chapters are worth the price alone. I also appreciated her advice for writers and how not to become the “critic” of your own work early on in the process of writing.

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Feb 12, 2020 Lee Linderman rated it it was amazing

Sections of this book reminded me of Donald Haass's book on emotion, with more emphasis on what to keep in mind during initial drafts instead of rewrites. The section on POV is well conceived - Kress devotes far more attention to the nuances between and among POV possibilities than most books on craft. This is a book I will be returning to throughout the drafting process. ...more

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Jan 27, 2017 Ulrike Hill rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Highly recommended

Many writers do not understand how to develop characters or which viewpoint is suitable for their story. An in-depth look at characterisation and POV. A must-read for any pre-published author.

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Sep 16, 2019 Christina rated it it was amazing

Shelves: writing

This is an excellent resource for any fiction writer. Well written, great use of organization and examples. I read it straight through and will likely go back to various chapters again and again in the future.

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About Nancy Kress

Nancy Kress

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Nancy Kress is an American science fiction writer. She began writing in 1976 but has achieved her greatest notice since the publication of her Hugo and Nebula-winning 1991 novella Beggars in Spain which was later expanded into a novel with the same title. In addition to her novels, Kress has written numerous short stories and is a regular columnist for Writer's Digest. She is a regular at Clar ...more

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“You must learn to be three people at once: writer, character, and reader.” — 12 likes

“We writers want readers to love our books. Greedy people that we are, we mean all readers. But in our more rational moments, we know that there is no book written that every reader enjoys. This is because people read for different reasons. Some readers want fast-paced excitement—and will put down a slower-paced book that examines the same reality as their own lives. Others want thoughtful insights into reality—and will put down fantasies of nonstop adventure. Some want to read about people they can identify with, some about characters they will never meet. Some seek clear, straightforward storytelling, and some cherish style: the unexpected phrase in exactly the right place. Some want affirmations of values they already hold, and some hope to be challenged, even disturbed. It’s” — 2 likes

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