Fiction Writing Made Easy

#150. How Rowling Created A Cast of Compelling Characters (An Interview With Savannah Gilbo & Abigail K. Perry)


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Ever wonder how Rowling created such a wonderful cast of quirky and relatable characters in the Harry Potter series? 

If so, tune into this episode to hear Abigail K. Perry, Tim Grahl, and me talk about the characters in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. 

You’ll hear us talk about things like:

  • [02:32] How to think about the number of characters you include in your story (and what we can learn from the characters Rowling highlighted in book one)
  • [09:17] How to write a dynamic cast of characters that can help your protagonist grow and change (and, in Harry’s case, aid or harm his ability to survive)
  • [09:49] Why Rowling layered the forces of antagonism Harry faces in this first book (and why this was necessary based on his age and skill level)
  • [17:07] How point of view choice affects our interpretation of the events in the story—and influences whether we classify certain characters as “good” or “evil”
  • [20:26] And so much more…

If you like this episode, you’ll LOVE my book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide. Click here to pre-order a copy and get access to a collection of bonuses in addition to a copy of the book.

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Also, if you haven't done so already, make sure you're following the podcast! I'll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed, and if you're not following the show, there's a good chance you'll miss them. Click here to follow now!

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

  • re-order my new book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: A Story Grid Masterwork Analysis Guide, and get a handful of special bonuses!
  • Watch the video interview on Story Grid’s YouTube channel

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👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.

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