The hottest Character development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Iris Murdoch's philosophical fiction

The Common Reader • 1311 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
📚 Literature Novelists Character development Realism
  1. Iris Murdoch's novels explore a unique and intriguing blend of strange characters, philosophical ideas, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
  2. Murdoch's personal experiences greatly influenced her novels, which delved into complex themes like love, sexual fluidity, and the complexity of human morality.
  3. Murdoch's writing style focuses on creating fully-realized fictional worlds where philosophical musings and moral lessons blend seamlessly with character-driven narratives.

necessary scenes

sweater weather • 6171 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
📚 Literature Storytelling Character development Novel Analysis
  1. Some argue that certain elements in art, like sex scenes, are unnecessary, but they actually serve to broaden the depth and concerns of the work.
  2. The concept of necessity in art is subjective and varies based on individual preferences and reading agendas.
  3. What may seem unnecessary in a piece of art to one person could be crucial to another's interpretation or understanding.

Mike Leigh’s gloriously inefficient filmmaking process

Subtle Maneuvers • 2220 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Creative Process Character development Improvisation Storytelling
  1. Mike Leigh's filmmaking process starts with no script or story idea, just actors talking to create characters.
  2. Leigh's method involves months of rehearsals where actors improvise to bring characters to life before scripting.
  3. Leigh's unique and time-consuming approach to filmmaking results in fully realized, human characters and unforgettable movies.

Declining Into Progress

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 315 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Historical Fiction Character development Cultural Change
  1. In the novel 'The Leopard,' the protagonist experiences a turbulent time of change from aristocratic to more egalitarian society.
  2. People often perceive their time as one of societal degradation, but change is inevitable for progress.
  3. The author of 'The Leopard' mirrors the protagonist's sense of foreseeing change, highlighting the transition from old aristocratic norms to the new.
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Processing: How Rita Bullwinkel Wrote Headshot

Counter Craft • 224 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Writing process Structure Character development
  1. Rita Bullwinkel's novel 'Headshot' showcases a unique structure, following the format of a sports competition but blending it with deep character exploration.
  2. The use of third-person narration in 'Headshot' creates a collective voice for the characters, allowing for a deeper exploration of time manipulation in the story.
  3. Bullwinkel's research background in competitive youth sports informed the authenticity of the novel, particularly in capturing the psychological dynamics of characters in a boxing setting.

no redemption arcs in hell

sweater weather • 5346 implied HN points • 16 May 23
📚 Literature Redemption Morality Fiction Character development Narrative analysis
  1. Redemption in fiction has evolved from demanding likable characters to morally gray characters proving themselves worthy.
  2. A show like _Succession_ illustrates the complexities of morality within its storyworld and challenges traditional redemption arcs.
  3. Moments of grace in fiction, where characters are seen and accepted without judgment, can be more impactful than traditional redemption arcs.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 199 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⚔ Fiction Superheroes Dystopian Action Character development
  1. Preparations for a heist involve various tasks like acquiring uniforms and scouting locations, which may not be exciting but are crucial.
  2. Characters have differing perspectives on history and legacy, with discussions about the importance of past traditions and letting go of the past to focus on the present.
  3. The story introduces a plot twist involving a rogue superhero and a high-stakes mission, showcasing complex alliances and secretive operations within the narrative.

Appreciating *Casablanca*

Bet On It • 120 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Film Gender Values Character development Patriotism
  1. The film 'Casablanca' presents unrealistic premises that serve as symbolic elements reflecting moral themes, inspiring and edifying viewers.
  2. The movie showcases themes of upward vitality, virtue, and moral growth, particularly in the character arcs of Rick and Laszlo.
  3. The gender dynamics in 'Casablanca' highlight male agency and Americanism, with a focus on male characters embodying higher intelligence and upward vitality, while female characters are often positioned as objects of admiration.

Interlude: The Problem With The Boxcar Children Is They Never Got To Spend Enough Time In The Boxcar

The Chatner • 1297 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
📚 Literature Children's literature Analysis Authors Novels Character development
  1. The Boxcar Children only lived in the boxcar in the first book and never returned to it in the series.
  2. The children should have spent more time living in the boxcar and maintaining their independence.
  3. The boxcar symbolizes a lost home and true happiness for The Boxcar Children, which they can never fully reclaim.

Gigaheroes

Trantor Publishing • 259 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📚 Literature Superheroes Storytelling Character development Fantasy Conflict resolution
  1. The Urban Defenders are strategizing to capitalize on the newfound popularity of the super villain known as 'The Ghost' for engagement.
  2. Nighthawk struggles with the superficiality and expectations of being a superhero amidst a party, revealing the complexities of fame and identity.
  3. Personal relationships and deeper desires contrast with the public persona of superheroes, highlighting the internal struggles within the team.

The Therapist

The Recovering Academic • 197 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Emotions Relationships
  1. The story revolves around a massage therapist named Alyse and her client's experiences with pain, empathy, and the complexities of relationships.
  2. The narrative details the physical toll that outdoor work can have on the body and the therapeutic relief sought through massage treatments.
  3. The text highlights themes of human connection, vulnerability, and the struggle to navigate personal boundaries in therapeutic settings.

FINISHING

Unbound • 230 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Dialogue
  1. Tyson's job at the ice cream shop was replaced by a machine named Lenny, causing him to reconsider his position and actions.
  2. Tyson attempted a new approach with his boss, Mrs. Huggard, by using psychological tactics and seduction techniques.
  3. The story portrays a shift in power dynamics and relationships, leading to unexpected outcomes for Tyson and Mrs. Huggard.

Player Success Versus Character Success

RPG Design Theories • 511 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Game design Character development Storytelling
  1. Players and characters should be conceptually separated in terms of success and failure.
  2. Game designers can choose between player-first and character-first gameplay styles, each with its own advantages and challenges.
  3. A balance between player-first and character-first elements can create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Amy, Her City

Banana Peel Pirouette • 118 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Imagination Mystery Artistic expression
  1. People often create elaborate worlds in their minds, like Amy's dream city, which can become a source of obsession and comfort.
  2. Our perceptions of others can greatly influence how we view ourselves and the world around us.
  3. The line between reality and imagination can blur, leading to a search for something that may not even exist in the way we hope.

"I'm not Korean American. But I had to discover that I wasn't white."

The Recovering Academic • 138 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Writing Fiction Character development Cultural Identity
  1. The book explores themes of identity and race through multiple generations of a Korean American family, highlighting the complexity and evolution of individual experiences over time.
  2. The collection features a diverse set of narrators, each reflecting different stages of life and unique perspectives, shedding light on the nuanced journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration.
  3. The concluding novella presents a symbolic homecoming and reflects the ongoing process of cultural mixing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of diverse cultures through various time periods.

A Review of Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology"

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Mythology Review Narrative Character development
  1. Neil Gaiman's 'Norse Mythology' book modernizes ancient Norse myths, making them more accessible and entertaining for readers.
  2. Gaiman's storytelling enhances character dynamics and adds personalities that are more engaging, although he takes creative liberties and introduces invented details.
  3. Readers should be cautious as 'Norse Mythology' may contain inaccuracies and omissions, and it is advisable to supplement with original source texts for a more accurate understanding.

Character Journeys

Development Hell • 256 implied HN points • 21 May 23
📚 Literature Character development
  1. Story comes from character, and structure must come from character as well. Mapping out a character's journey gives you the story and the structure.
  2. A compelling story involves a character wanting something, facing obstacles, and going through a journey to overcome them.
  3. A satisfying story not only focuses on what the character wants but also delves into what the character needs.

The Web of Story

David Friedman’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
📚 Literature Character development Narrative structure
  1. Discovering and enjoying stories on Glowfic involves finding favorite authors and completed threads.
  2. The stories on Glowfic present different versions of the same plotline, showcasing characters in varying roles and circumstances.
  3. Glowfic narratives offer a unique web of interconnected stories, created collaboratively by multiple authors inspired by role-playing games.

Book Review: Almost Nowhere

Record Crash • 78 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
📚 Literature Sci-fi Character development
  1. Almost Nowhere is a complex but original sci-fi story with a lot of content to unpack.
  2. The characters in the story are well-developed and engaging, with various personalities and interactions.
  3. The detailed explanations of fake physics and complex concepts could be a bit long, but add depth to the narrative.

Rome Retreat ANNOUNCEMENT; Also, John Adams, Extreme Ownership, VC takeaways

ancientlifecoach • 39 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🚌 Education Leadership Character development Retreat History
  1. Leaders should take Extreme Ownership, where they are responsible for the success or failure of a mission.
  2. Good leaders focus on discerning the right character traits in individuals for their team.
  3. Invest time in training and developing character, whether through biographies or specialized events like retreats.

"A Thousand Reflections of My Own Hands in a Dark Mirror"

Apposition • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Feminism Character development Cultural Identity Satire
  1. Katherine Mansfield's stories focus on capturing moods and character depths rather than plot
  2. Mansfield's stories in 'In a German Pension' depict women longing for security despite facing disillusionment with men
  3. The satirical tone and complex characters in Mansfield's stories reveal subtle hints of psychic instability and a preference for implication over action

"What Ifs" and Third Rails

A Particular Weird • 11 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
📚 Literature Writing Genres Character development Storytelling Emotions
  1. Lisa Cron's book 'Story Genius' helps authors understand the importance of a character's 'third rail' and emotional journey in crafting a compelling story.
  2. John Truby's 'The Anatomy of Genres' complements Cron's approach by showcasing how genres revolve around core thematic questions, providing a reliable starting point for writers.
  3. Crafting a riveting story involves determining the message, creating impactful characters, and outlining plot points that force characters to confront their past.

Lessons in narrative compassion

The Leftovers • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 22
📚 Literature Short Stories Narrative Techniques Character development Influences Writing Style
  1. The book 'Dance Move' by Wendy Erskine uses third person narration, creating a detached, observer-like perspective that allows the stories to almost tell themselves.
  2. The stories in 'Dance Move' predominantly take place in intimate interior spaces like kitchens and living rooms, focusing on the everyday joys and sorrows of characters, rather than grand events.
  3. Wendy Erskine's writing style, influenced by authors like Chekhov, shows a compassionate approach to storytelling that prioritizes character depth and authenticity over sensationalism.