#  English CFW. Character and Consciousness: Advanced Narrative Techniques Fiction: Workshop 

 



 Instructor: [ZZ Packer](/people/zz-packer)  
Two offerings:  
Mondays, 12:00-2:45 (001) | Location: Lamont 401  
Wednesdays, 12:00-2:45 (002) | Location: Lamont 401  
*Enrollment: Limited to 12 students for each section*

 This course focuses on how artful characterization works to create complex psychological portraits in fiction. We will read fiction and criticism to understand how character informs nearly every element of storytelling craft, incorporating what we’ve gleaned from our readings into our own writing. After a review of fundamental craft elements such as imagery, dialogue and scene, we'll delve into more advanced narrative techniques such as psychonarration, interiority and focalization, seeking to understand how they contribute to the voice, consciousness and subjectivity of a character. The core of our practice will be comprised of short weekly assignments, in-class exercises, and character studies. Students can be expected to complete one story and revision to be workshopped by peers.

 **Supplemental Application Information:** Please submit 3-5 pages of prose fiction, along with a substantive letter of introduction. I’d like to know why you’re interested in the course; what experience you’ve had writing, both in previous workshops and independently; what your literary goals and ambitions are. Please tell me about some of your favorite narratives – fiction, non-fiction, film, etc: why they move you, and what you learn from them.

 [Apply via Submittable (by 11:59pm on 1/27, no exceptions)](https://harvardcw.submittable.com/submit)