Characters are an important part of the story. A good plot can be spoiled by characters that are dull and unrealistic. A story usually features a main character or protagonist that the story follows. Sometimes there is a character that goes against the protagonist. This character is called an antagonist and often is the “bad guy”, but not always. In The Curses of Third Uncle, Lilian is the protagonist and Third Uncle is a villainous antagonist.
Characters are most interesting when they are three dimensional and have many sides of their personalities shown. These characters have strengths and weaknesses. They seem alive and real. They are dullest when they are one dimensional stereotypes like “the hero”, “the villain”, “the best friend”, “the know-it-all” or “the nerd”. Movies specialize in these types of characters. You should try to create at least one well-rounded character in your stories, no matter how short the story.
(Assignments: Mask Narrative / Scar Story / Journeys / My World In Motion)