Craft Compelling Protagonists
Write main characters worthy of fans.
This 1-day protagonist intensive helps writers build the best versions of their main characters.
Character is the heart of story. If your protagonist isn’t “beating” then your story isn’t alive. Meaning, readers will drop your work in their DNF (did-not-finish) pile.
Don’t let your story be dead on arrival.
Craft a protagonist who holds the lifeblood of the narrative, who holds the attention of the audience.
Too many writers approach character creation wrong—
❌ filling out surface-level questionnaires
❌ creating bloated backstories
❌ obsessing over likability
❌ making lists of strengths & weaknesses
That isn’t “the heart of story.”
It’s just “window-dressing.”
The heart is not so complicated and fragmented.
It’s simple yet sophisticated (if you know what to look for) and whole.
When it’s well, it pumps an entire system.
That’s exactly what your protagonist needs to do . . . pump life through your book.
If you have a protagonist who is . . .
❌ too flat
❌ too passive
❌ too "weak"
. . . the whole story suffers.
. . . which means your readers suffer.
Let’s create the best version of your protagonist, with my award-winning principles.
The best version of your protagonist who readers . . .
✅ get invested in
✅ connect with
✅ can't wait to read more about
The version that never needs a resuscitation (unless, of course, the actual plot calls for it 😉)
Let’s create the winning version of your protagonist 🙌
In this workshop, you'll learn . . .
✅ What a protagonist actually is (hint: it’s not the POV character or “the hero”)
✅ Why "passivity" isn't cured by making a character objectively "stronger"
✅ The secret behind creating character agency
✅ How to choose their most impactful, relevant backstory
✅ Your protagonist's true greatest fear
✅ How to write a cohesive plot with character in mind
✅ The special technique necessary for a satisfying ending (it's not what you think)
✅ How to create their most threatening antagonist
✅ What really drives your character, and why
✅ How to handle character arc in a resonating way
✅ What, specifically, to put at stake for your character
✅ And more. . . .
You'll get . . .
⭐ Access to the live 2-hour class
⭐ Workshop exercises: download a set of carefully crafted questions to workshop your protagonist after.
⭐ Copies of all slides
⭐ Your questions answered by instructor
⭐ A recording of the workshop (watch or rewatch later)
Saturday, Sept. 12th
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. EDT
⚠️ Enroll to reserve your spot!
Can't attend live? No problem!
Watch the class later.
ADD-ON Workshop Feedback
Everyone will receive a set of carefully crafted questions to workshop their protagonist after.
Get personalized feedback straight from the instructor on this.
✅ Ensure your protagonist is solid (and is in fact the protagonist)
✅ Check that their elements are properly aligned (within themselves & the story)
✅ Foresee and fix problems
✅ Get suggestions for improvements
✅ Make sure the principles are properly applied
✅ Get guidance on variations and "rule breaks"
✅ Be confident in your superior character
ADD-ON Character Profile
Receive a “hand-crafted” character profile of your protagonist, created with my special diagrams.
After your workshop assignment, I will personally create a profile of your character that allows you to see their most important elements, at a glance.
I will also expound on what was covered in the workshop, by pointing out what situations, side characters, or other features would be excellent considerations for your protagonist’s journey.
This will be delivered as a pdf and in jpegs, but you will also receive an editable version.
(limited number available)
What My Students Say
"Every minute is packed with learning story-craft material. She is a great instructor who is very generous with her knowledge and expertise…And her feedback is given very kindly so no worries! Her enthusiasm and dedication are most inspiring and will motivate you to keep progressing and learning."
- Amina
"September has a way of delivering material that makes it easy to understand. She is patient and accessible, a real joy to work with and learn from. If you have a chance to take one of her courses, jump on it!"
- Louisa S.
"September is an excellent teacher who can explain complex ideas in a clear and concise manner and who has a truly impressive grasp of her subject. Her depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and willingness to answer my many questions were all exemplary. She also provides multiple examples to illustrate each point and to show variations."
- Becky R.
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, September C. Fawkes here. I fix broken stories. I also turn great stories into exceptional ones.
I work as a freelance editor, writing instructor, and award-winning writing tip blogger. I have edited for both award-winning and best-selling authors, as well as beginning writers. I'll be guiding you and your protagonist to the next level.
Let's get the heart of your story beating.
My approaches have been praised by:
David Farland—New York Times bestselling author
K. M. Weiland—Founder of Helping Writers Become Authors
Angela Ackerman—Co-creator of Writers Helping Writers
Jake Marley—Grand Prize Winner of Writers of the Future
. . . and more.