The hottest Characterization Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Literature Topics

Why we love Jane Austen more than ever after 250 years

The Common Reader • 8753 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Jane Austen invented key narrative techniques—especially moving smoothly between an impartial narrator and a character’s inner view—that helped create the modern novel and influenced many later writers.
  2. Her stories tackle timeless moral questions about how to be good, be happy, and learn sympathy in a changing, commercial world.
  3. By treating ordinary domestic life and small social moments as morally important, she made her books deeply relatable and endlessly popular across generations.

Processing: How Brandon Taylor Wrote Minor Black Figures

Counter Craft • 644 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. A novel should carry ideas and show people struggling with political and ideological conflicts in their social context, so writers shouldn’t fear being called didactic when they dramatize competing worldviews.
  2. Keep characters embodied by showing physical sensations and the social texture around them; after a few high-minded thoughts, return to what the body feels so scenes stay grounded and real.
  3. Use concrete craft habits: prefer a flexible, subjectivized third person, try drafting tricks like narrow margins and retyping for big revisions, and describe art as a character’s subjective impression rather than a literal recreation; reading theory can make writing harder but gives you sharper tools and clearer choices.

Screw You Guys, I Root For Muad'Dib

Freddie deBoer • 8446 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Characterization
  1. In the Dune universe, the writer roots for Paul Atreides despite knowing it won't end well
  2. The Dune 2 movie is praised for being a meticulously crafted, popular film with excellent cast and stunning visuals
  3. Despite the warnings about not rooting for Paul due to the themes of the story, the writer still finds him and his rebel army cool and follows Muad'Dib passionately

Always Second Best (Or Worst)

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Book 17 of the Iliad focuses on the characterization of Hektor, revealing his shortcomings as a warrior despite his reputation.
  2. The primary Trojan fighters like Hektor, Aeneas, and Sarpedon in the Iliad do not always live up to expectations on the battlefield, showcasing the complexities of warfare and heroism.
  3. Hektor's actions and interactions in book 17 highlight the themes of divine intervention, personal agency, and the inevitability of failure in the epic narrative.
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The Beginning of His Trouble

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Book 11 of the Iliad is critical to the plot as it leads to a turning point in the Trojan War, with notable Greeks getting wounded.
  2. Achilles' interest in the battle showcases his complex character, sparking discussions among ancient scholars about his motivations.
  3. Ancient scholars note that Achilles sends Patroklos to investigate a wounded man, setting the stage for future events and highlighting the limits of human knowledge.

Rage Won't Raise the Dead

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. The funeral games in the Iliad are not filler but are deeply tied to themes like honor and institutional order, reflecting ancient audiences' experiences and myths.
  2. The speech of Patroklos to Achilles acts as a powerful moment highlighting the theme of rage and its consequences in the epic, urging Achilles to think about their past and relationship.
  3. The blended narrative of Achilles and Patroklos in death emphasizes themes of surrogacy and eternal connection, inviting reflection on the power of loss, grief, and love in shaping individual actions and the world.

Homeric Redshirts and Iliad 10

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. The introduction of Dolon in Iliad 10 serves as a strategic element to provide rest and anticipation in the epic, suggesting it is integral to the overall theme and composition.
  2. Dolon's character in Iliad 10 is complex, with his appearance, relationship to wealth, and status as a single son with five sisters all playing significant roles in understanding his role in the story.
  3. Ancient scholars drew connections between Dolon's traits, such as his greed and appearance, to deeper themes like heroism in response to the actions of characters like Achilles, offering insights into how characters are developed in Homeric poetry.

Writing visually

The Leftovers • 79 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Authors often neglect writing realistic dialogues in their works, resulting in weaker characters and plots.
  2. Using dialogues as a plot-building device is crucial for creating visually engaging writing, as demonstrated by filmmakers like Robert Bresson.
  3. Observing real-life dialogues and incorporating them into writing, even if with artistic deterritorialization, can enhance the clarity and strength of the narrative.

Is Literature Donna Tartt's Little Friend?

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 03 Jun 23
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Donna Tartt's novels blur the line between literature and commercial fiction, drawing attention to questions of value and literary merit.
  2. Tartt's work, including "The Little Friend," showcases elements of nostalgia, blending different styles and genres in a somewhat predictable manner.
  3. While praised for prose and aesthetic content, Tartt's novels, such as "The Goldfinch," may rely on derivative characters and trite tropes, potentially diminishing their literary contribution.

Measuring distortion

Only Wonder Knows • 58 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🔬 Science Characterization
  1. When working with non-linear systems, be cautious and pay attention to distortion.
  2. Measuring distortion in systems may require using techniques like injecting two tones.
  3. Characterizing distortion involves understanding how system limitations affect harmonic levels.

Backing Up the Future

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Book 4 of the Iliad focuses on politics, the gods' influence on humans, and how the narrative aligns with or deviates from traditional stories.
  2. Zeus plays a crucial role in orchestrating the plot and delineating the balance between divine will and mortal actions in the epic.
  3. Agamemnon's actions in book 4, particularly the 'epipolesis,' provide insights into leadership, hero characterization, and how the Iliad incorporates elements from other tales to establish its narrative prominence.

The character as a composite entity

The Leftovers • 39 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Characters in fiction are often a blend of real people and made-up elements, drawing inspiration from the world around us.
  2. When writing characters, it's crucial to visualize them, give them a distinct personality, and make them believable to yourself as the author.
  3. Even when creating fantastical characters in alien worlds, there should be some connection to reality to make them relatable and engaging.

Stories with two characters

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
đź“š Literature Characterization
  1. Stories often use two characters to create interesting conflicts, like a hero and a villain. These relationships help drive the story forward and keep readers engaged.
  2. Dualities like good vs. evil or supply vs. demand help us understand complex ideas. They let us see different sides of a situation and how they relate to each other.
  3. Using duality in storytelling helps break down chaos and build clear relationships. This makes it easier to communicate deeper messages within the story.