Writing Character & Plot with Hannah Kent and Rebecca Starford

Everything you need to know about balancing action with characterisation

Characters are the beating heart of all stories, but what makes some characters more compelling than others? How do you create a unique voice for your narrator or protagonist? And how exactly do character and plot intersect?

This workshop will explore the initial stages of generating ideas and look at how to develop backstory, motives, voice and personality in your characters. We’ll also discuss and practice a variety of devices - including dialogue, point of view, character interaction, description and narration - that can be used to avoid exposition.

You’ll learn:
  • Strategies to create well-developed, complex characters
  • Techniques and approaches to crafting engaging storylines
  • How to balance action with characterisation
  • How to inject ‘movement’ into a scene
  • How plot can open up a story and its characters to new and exciting possibilities

The course is designed to take you 4-5 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

"I studied a creative writing degree at university and learned things in this course that I didn't learn at uni - such helpful, practical content that has really expanded the way I think about character and plot."

"Clear, concise and inspiring! This course, with both Hannah and Rebecca's personal insights and techniques coupled with the relevant exercises, certainly gave me some new tools and fresh perspective to use in my writing journey."

"The Writing Character and Plot Workshop was an illuminating experience which has encouraged me to consider new ways of developing story ideas. The lessons are clear and thought provoking, and the writing exercises invaluable. I love that access to this course doesn't end as I can see it becoming a favourite refresher. Thank you to Hannah Kent, Rebecca Starford and KYD."


KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact courses@killyourdarlings.com.au for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Hannah Kent & Rebecca Starford
Hannah Kent & Rebecca Starford

Hannah Kent is the co-founder and publishing director of Kill Your Darlings. Her debut novel, Burial Rites (2013), has been translated into thirty languages and was shortlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, the Stella Prize, the Guardian First Book Award, and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It won the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year and the Indie Awards Debut Fiction Book of the Year, amongst others. Hannah’s second novel, The Good People (2016) was shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, the Queensland Literary Awards and the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction. It is being adapted for film by Aquarius Productions.

Rebecca Starford is the co-founder and publishing director of Kill Your Darlings. Her debut memoir, Bad Behaviour (Allen & Unwin), was published in 2015 and is currently in development with Matchbox Pictures. Her novel The Imitator was published in 2021. Rebecca is a former editor at Text Publishing, and has worked for Affirm Press and Australian Book Review. Her writing has appeared in the Guardian, Age, and Weekend Australian. She is a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland.


Course Curriculum


  Welcome to Character & Plot
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  Generating Character
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  Understanding Motive And Conflict
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at courses@killyourdarlings.com.au and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!