LIB472
Your Character's Voice: Writing Riveting Dialogue
As readers, we come to know and appreciate characters because of what they say and do, more than how they are described. As writers, we may struggle with developing character dialogue that illuminates our characters’ wants and needs. Until we hear our characters’ voices out loud and visualize them physically embodying the dialogue, the words are merely signs on a page. Together, we'll engage in the practice of creating characters, writing dialogue and listening to it read aloud so we get the measure of the characters we are creating and how their spoken words contribute to the plot and action of the story.
Note: This course is offered in a 3-hour workshop format over 4 weeks. It involves active participation, writing in class, reading written work aloud with other students in small groups, weekly writing assignments shared online and sharing questions and insights with each other.
This course is offered online.
A $50 discount is available during check-out for adults 55+.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced with weekly virtual class
Duration: 4 weeks
Tuition: $180 plus GST
Can be applied to:
Liberal Arts for 55+ Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
- Wed, May 6, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Wed, May 13, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Wed, May 20, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
- Wed, May 27, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time (virtual class)
Apr 15, 2026
Course outline
- Week 1: Practice 1
We will create two characters through visualization and description, using a template we will continue using throughout the course. Once we have gathered enough information about our characters, we will envision a situation in which our characters will interact through dialogue. We will write that dialogue and test it by having our classmates read it aloud. - Week 2: Practice 2
We will expand the scenes from Week 1, exploring our characters’ dialogue to clarify and find new aspects of our characters to push the plot forward. We will test our dialogues through hearing them read aloud. With these same characters, we will begin new dialogues that take the action of the story in new directions. - Week 3: Practice 3
This week we will repeat the process of Week 1, creating two new characters through writing exercises and creating dialogues to find their voices. We will try out these characters by having classmates read the dialogues we write in class. - Week 4: Practice 4
In our final workshop, we will expand the scenes from Week 3, taking our characters’ dialogue in new directions and exploring point of view and different time frames. We will test our writing through hearing our work read aloud. In our closing, we will consider where each of us wants to go next in exploring our characters and their voices.
What you will learn
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Utilize a repertoire of character development techniques
- Practice writing character dialogue
- Develop confidence in sharing your creative work with others
How you will learn
- Participation in Zoom seminars
- Writing prompts and assignments
- Small-group reading with other students
- Participation in written discussions with other students
- Supplementary resources accessed online
- Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.