The hottest Character development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Chapter 31: Koa doesn't take the news well

PASSAGES • 1139 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Narrative Storytelling Character development Emotional Cultural Context
  1. Koa feels anxious about leaving her home in the Valley. She is not ready to leave the only place she has known as home.
  2. Koa discovers surprising and upsetting news about her family, which makes her feel lost and confused. She is starting to question who she really is.
  3. She experiences something new and exciting when taken to a diner, showing her curiosity about the world outside the Valley. The meal brings her joy but also adds to her feelings of uncertainty.

A Tale of a Lost Heir

Papyrus Rampant • 119 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction History Storytelling Character development Cultural analysis
  1. When writing about a lost heir, it's important to show why others want to follow them. A strong character, like Bonnie Prince Charlie, can inspire loyalty in others, making the story more engaging.
  2. Authors need to create believable circumstances that allow the heir to gather support without being quickly defeated. Historical events can provide inspiration for how to craft these situations.
  3. A lost heir's eventual reign should hint at their ability to lead. Even if they don't win, showing how they would govern helps readers connect with the character and understand the challenges they face.

Chapter 29: Jud and his family visit the Valley

PASSAGES • 1278 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Writing Character development Narrative
  1. Jud and his family are traveling down a narrow and steep road into Waimalia Valley. It's a bit scary, but they are excited to see the wild horses.
  2. The journey brings a sense of responsibility for Jud as he drives with his family in the truck. He wants to keep them safe while they explore.
  3. On the way, Jud meets a local driver, which shows the community feel of the area. It’s nice to see locals enjoying the valley just like his family.

Chapter 27: Koa goes topside

PASSAGES • 1638 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Storytelling Narrative Character development
  1. Koa experiences a new way of exploring the world while riding in a truck, feeling like she's on a boat. This shows her that movement can change how she sees things around her without needing to slow down.
  2. As they drive, Koa reflects on her home in the Valley and feels both comforted by it and overwhelmed by the outside world. She realizes she knows her home well, but is also curious about what lies beyond.
  3. Koa struggles with her emotions about leaving the Valley, wishing she could stay forever but trying to embrace the new experiences. It's a mix of fear and excitement when facing the unknown.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 33

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Storytelling Character development Narrative Themes
  1. Len has found a new purpose in his retirement by managing an Internet sector mutual fund. It's surprising how his career took a turn he never expected.
  2. Cassie is now a single mom and Len is thrilled to be her child's godfather. Family roles can change, but that doesn't mean they can't bring happiness.
  3. Len is thinking about the future, considering how to help his goddaughter and honoring his late brother. It's important to think about legacy and the impact we can have on others.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Jade Racket

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Literature Storytelling Drama Character development Narrative structure
  1. The main character, Caroline Jade, is smart and tough. She runs her own business in a dangerous world and knows how to protect herself.
  2. Conflict arises between Caroline and a rival gangster, Gino Salerno, leading to life-threatening situations. This showcases the risks involved in her operations.
  3. Caroline uses her connections and strategic thinking to navigate tricky situations. Ultimately, she seeks revenge and maintains her power in a chaotic environment.

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.

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.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 26

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Literary Narrative Character development Technology
  1. Grant is back in Silicon Valley after a long time in Japan and is adjusting to his new life after divorce. It’s a big change for him, and he’s reconnecting with old friends.
  2. Len and Dan are featured on a TV show discussing investments and the Internet. They didn’t know the show would focus so much on their recent embezzling case, which surprised them.
  3. Len shares his strategy for investing in Internet-related companies, looking for those that will benefit from the tech boom. This shows he thinks ahead and tries to find new opportunities.

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.

ANGEL FIRE

Unbound • 293 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character development Literary themes
  1. Ben is released from prison and tries to adjust to the real world, moving from a fantasy life back to reality. He feels excited but also scared about what lies ahead.
  2. He finds a job at a coffee shop called The Orbiter, which suits him well and helps him rediscover his love for storytelling and imagination. The owner, Ollie, believes in him and offers him a chance to rebuild his life.
  3. Ben encounters hostility from a group that hates imagination and creative pursuits, leading him to confront his past and the darker parts of society he now wants to navigate. He is determined to stand up for what he cares about.

When Writing Fantasy, Kill Your Darlings. Literally.

The Bottom Feeder • 703 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Fantasy Storytelling Character development
  1. Killing characters can add emotional weight to a story. When a character dies, it can make the readers feel more suspense and connect emotionally to the narrative.
  2. It's important to time character deaths well in a story. Too many deaths can numb the audience, while too few can make a story feel cluttered and lacking in stakes.
  3. Character deaths should serve a purpose. They should reflect the story's themes and impact the narrative, making the audience feel the reality of loss and its significance.

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.

Rizz

Soaring Twenties • 85 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Narrative Character development Dialogue
  1. Stories can be playful and fun, and that's what makes them entertaining. It's important to engage the reader and craft something they'll enjoy.
  2. Friendship can take unexpected turns, especially when it comes to love interests. Being supportive to a friend can lead to your own heartache.
  3. The way you tell a story matters. You can shape it however you want, and it's okay to think differently about how it should end.

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.

Writing by a "Dossier" Method (?)

Story Club with George Saunders • 65 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
📚 Literature Creative Writing Storytelling Character development Writing process
  1. You can start writing a story just by focusing on your characters first. Get to know them well before adding any plot or action.
  2. There’s no one right way to create a story. Different methods can work, and it’s okay to lean into what feels right for you.
  3. If your story feels a bit flat, try making your characters interact more. This can help bring energy and connection to the narrative.

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.

The tale of a cigar on the morning after

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Creative Writing Narrative Character development
  1. Sometimes we want to enjoy cozy moments, like winter, but we also miss the warmth of summer. It's okay to crave a little sunshine even in the darkest days.
  2. Life can feel heavy with worries, like reading bad news while on vacation. Sometimes, it's better to set those thoughts aside and enjoy the moment.
  3. Small accidents, like stubbed toes, can happen when we least expect them. But a good laugh and a moment with loved ones can help ease the pain.

Soren Kierkegaard

Castalia • 339 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Philosophy Character development Writing Style
  1. Brandon meets an intriguing actress named Muriel at a party, and he is immediately drawn to her talent and personality. They bond over their love for theater and share a moment that makes Brandon hopeful about a connection.
  2. After a few weeks of ups and downs, Brandon and Muriel grow closer, but she ultimately decides to rekindle a relationship with her previous partner. Despite their strong connection, Brandon realizes that he needs to keep his emotions in check.
  3. Brandon reflects on his life and career, realizing that success doesn't guarantee happiness. He acknowledges the importance of accepting loss and not getting too attached to anything, whether in business or love.

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.

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.

Bane War Vol. 1 Fury

cruiseandpaul • 40 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Adventure Romance Literature Character development
  1. The story follows Saffa, a young woman whose life changes dramatically when she discovers her magical powers. She has to face challenges while trying to reconnect with her love, Soren.
  2. The plot includes romance elements like love triangles and opposites attracting, making it emotionally rich. Saffa’s relationships add drama and interest to the story.
  3. The writing is engaging, with a mix of action and thoughtfulness. It paints a colorful picture of the setting and balances serious themes with humor.

Delusions of Grandeur

Soaring Twenties • 38 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Short Story Literature Creative Writing Narrative Character development
  1. The story shows how people can have grand dreams and ideas about themselves. The character believes he is destined for greatness from a young age.
  2. There is a humorous interaction between two characters in a remote cabin. One is a quirky older man who has all sorts of wild ideas and delusions about his importance.
  3. The conversation touches on deeper themes of identity, reality, and the search for meaning, as the younger character learns about the older man's life and dreams.

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.

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.

Gentlemen Prefer Bitches

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
📚 Literature Short Stories Fiction Narrative Character development Themes
  1. Sometimes people get stuck in unhealthy relationships because they're attracted to those who treat them poorly. It can feel easier to focus all their energy on making one person happy instead of working on themselves.
  2. It's important to value yourself and set boundaries in relationships. If someone isn't meeting your needs, it's okay to speak up and expect respect.
  3. Being a strong and nurturing person in relationships can lead to growth, but it's crucial to communicate openly and honestly about expectations to avoid being taken for granted.

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.

Processing: How Rita Bullwinkel Wrote Headshot

Counter Craft • 265 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.

"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.

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.

Rat Island

Nice Try • 219 implied HN points • 07 May 23
📚 Literature Fiction Short Stories Narrative Writing Style Character development
  1. People create stories about each other to fill in gaps. If someone doesn’t share their story, others might make up something much stranger.
  2. Friendship can be found in unexpected places. Rat Island and Geese bonded over their laughter and shared experiences at work, showing how connection can help through tough times.
  3. Life is full of changes, and people's roles can shift. Rat Island went from being a lively person to more serious, reflecting how age and experiences can affect our spirits.

The Cooperatives: The struggle

storyvoyager • 4 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
⚔ Fiction Climate fiction Science fiction Literary Fiction Character development
  1. The story explores the complex relationship between an AI character called the Ghost and a human girl named Shia, highlighting themes of trust and loyalty.
  2. It reflects on the challenges of living in a world affected by climate change and the struggle for survival among its characters.
  3. The narrative poses questions about free will and the influence of programming on decision-making, especially in the context of AI and human interactions.

FINISHING

Unbound • 230 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
📚 Literature Short Story Character development Narrative style 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.