“If your main character starts off somewhat unlikable, then, in the early pages of your story, they should save a cat (yes, like from a tree or a burning building or a shelter), or do something comparable that immediately makes the reader root for them, regardless of their original likability.” (Jessica Brody, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel)

Character Development Exercise: The Power of Early Redemption

Core Techniques Explored

1. Strategic Empathy Building – Using specific early actions to create reader investment in seemingly unlikable characters
2. Character Complexity Through Contrast – Juxtaposing negative character traits with redemptive moments to create dimensional personalities

Writing Prompt (500 words)

Write a scene introducing a character who initially appears unsympathetic through their actions, thoughts, or behavior (examples: they’re rude to service workers, they refuse to help someone in need, they’re openly cynical about others’ good fortune). Within the same scene, create a moment where this character performs an unexpected act of kindness or sacrifice that complicates the reader’s initial judgment.

Important considerations:

• The redemptive action should arise organically from the situation
• The character shouldn’t suddenly transform or become purely good
• The kind action should reveal something deeper about their nature or past
• The scene should maintain the character’s established voice/perspective while revealing new layers

Evaluation Criteria

Strong Responses Will:

• Establish clear negative traits/actions that don’t feel cartoonishly villainous
• Create a redemptive moment that surprises but doesn’t strain credibility
• Maintain consistent character voice throughout
• Use specific details to ground both the negative and positive actions
• Show rather than tell the character’s complexity
• Leave room for further character development

Weak Responses Typically:

• Rely on stereotypes or extreme behavior to establish unlikability
• Insert a random good deed that feels disconnected from the scene
• Have the character completely change personality for the redemptive moment
• Tell readers directly why they should sympathize with the character
• Resolve all tension through the single good action
• Use melodramatic situations to force emotional response

Workshop Questions

1. At what precise moment did your perception of the character begin to shift? What specific details or actions created this shift?
2. How does the character’s voice/perspective remain consistent even as they perform the redemptive action?
3. What questions about the character’s past or motivations does this scene raise?
4. What tensions or contradictions in the character remain unresolved?
5. How might this scene set up future character development?

Revision Suggestions

1. Highlight every adjective used to describe the character. Are you relying too heavily on direct characterization?
2. Map the emotional beats of the scene. Is there a clear progression or just a sudden switch?
3. List what readers know about the character’s background/motivation at the end of the scene. Is there enough mystery remaining?
4. Examine dialogue and internal monologue during the redemptive moment. Does it feel authentic to the established voice?

Model Text

Read “Stone Animals” by Kelly Link (from Magic for Beginners). Pay particular attention to how she introduces Henry, a character who initially comes across as controlling and dismissive of his pregnant wife’s concerns, but whose careful attention to his children’s nighttime rituals reveals deeper complexity and vulnerability. Notice how Link maintains Henry’s essential nature while layering in moments that complicate our judgment of him.

Time Management (2 hours)

• 15 minutes: Close reading of example text
• 15 minutes: Character development brainstorming
• 45 minutes: First draft writing
• 15 minutes: Self-evaluation against criteria
• 30 minutes: Revision and refinement

Regards,

RAR