Jami and Sara on Creating Sympathetic and Intriguing Characters with Examples from Ted Lasso

<p>Episode 168 / Jami Albright and Sara Rosett discuss how to create compelling characters. We look at the pilot episode of <em>Ted Lasso</em> and delve into why the characters of Rebecca and Ted are fascinating and how the writers made them well-rounded characters. </p><p>Special supporter event: chat with H. Claire Taylor on May 28th. Watch for info in your private RSS feed. </p><p>💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. <a href='https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support'>https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support</a></p><p>Time stamps:</p><p>[00:01:32] Sara attended the <a href='https://subscriptionsforauthors.com'>Subscription for Authors</a> (<a href='https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/'>https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/</a>) summit and learned about different subscription models, including the tactic of giving every tier the same thing.</p><p>[00:07:15] How the first episode of Ted Lasso introduces Rebecca and Ted and contrasts their personalities through action, small details, and dialog </p><p>[00:14:19] Hints about backstory without info dump</p><p>[00:16:10] Ted Lasso is a flat arc character who evolves in Season 2. The show is an intriguing concept that blends both flat arc and robust character arc</p><p>[00:30:51] Flipping a trope is attractive to people readers</p><p>[00:32:26] Using a “train wreck” scenario and underdog trope, and how Rebecca’s actions create sympathy for Ted</p><p>[00:39:41] How the reveal of Ted’s problems in his marriage and separation from his son compounds our desire to see Ted do well</p><p>[00:41:20] How Roy’s interactions with Phoebe soften his character</p><p>[00:44:55] Unlikable characters can be fascinating and pull in readers. Examples: House, Snape, Agatha Raisin</p><p>[00:46:02] Using the same techniques to make villains three-dimensional </p><p>[00:50:47] Gradual change in characters is effective and easily noticed by readers</p><p><br/></p><p><a href='https://books2read.com/u/mVKoJJ'>Save the Cat</a> by Blak