The Art of Character by David Corbett Summary

The Art of Character explores techniques for crafting multidimensional literary characters, emphasizing desire, conflict, and vulnerability as foundational elements. David Corbett argues that compelling characters emerge through their struggles and contradictions, with practical methods like scene-based exploration and the "Five Cornerstones of Characterization" (desire, frustration, secrets, vulnerability, contradictions). The book blends philosophical insights with actionable advice, making it a staple for writers seeking depth in their storytelling.

This book is ideal for fiction writers, screenwriters, and storytellers aiming to create resonant, dynamic characters. Its principles apply across genres, from literary fiction to thrillers, and are particularly valuable for those struggling with flat or unconvincing personas. Corbett’s blend of theory and exercises also benefits writing instructors and students studying narrative craft.

Yes—it’s widely regarded as an indispensable resource for writers. Critics praise its actionable frameworks, such as using secrets to fuel contradictions and employing “emotional moments” to reveal true character. With examples from Corbett’s investigative background and literary career, it offers unique insights into human behavior that elevate storytelling.

Corbett’s Five Cornerstones—desire, frustration, vulnerability, secrets, and contradictions—form a framework for developing layered characters. Desire drives narrative momentum, while secrets and contradictions create internal conflict, ensuring characters evolve authentically. For example, a character’s hidden addiction (secret) might clash with their public persona (contradiction), adding depth.

Desire is portrayed as the engine of narrative, shaping decisions and conflicts. Corbett distinguishes between surface wants (e.g., wealth) and core desires (e.g., security), urging writers to explore how unmet needs drive behavior. He emphasizes that desire often masks deeper vulnerabilities, such as fear of abandonment or shame.

Secrets create tension and complexity by exposing contradictions between a character’s inner self and outward actions. Corbett suggests that secrets—like hidden traumas or unethical choices—reveal vulnerabilities that make characters relatable and narratively dynamic. For instance, a heroic figure hiding a past betrayal adds moral ambiguity.

Vulnerability humanizes characters by anchoring their actions in emotional truth. Corbett posits that wounds (e.g., loss, failure) inform motivations and relationships, making characters’ choices believable. A character driven by guilt from a past mistake, for example, might overcompensate through recklessness or altruism.

Corbett challenges the traditional “epiphany” model, arguing that shame—not insight—often drives transformation. Characters confront their flaws through crises that expose their vulnerabilities, leading to growth or downfall. This approach avoids contrived resolutions, favoring psychologically realistic journeys.

Unlike formulaic guides, Corbett’s work merges literary theory (e.g., Heideggerian philosophy) with practical tools, avoiding rigid templates. While books like Story Structure Architect focus on plot roles, Corbett prioritizes emotional authenticity, offering exercises to uncover a character’s subconscious drives.

Yes—Corbett includes actionable techniques like “Character Exploration Questions” to map backstories, relationships, and motivations. Writers analyze scenarios where characters face moral dilemmas or confront secrets, ensuring consistency in their emotional logic. Exercises also focus on dialogue to reveal hidden desires.

Some reviewers note that later sections lean heavily on lists (e.g., character archetypes), which may feel reductive compared to the nuanced early chapters. However, these tools are framed as starting points rather than strict rules.

• “Characters come alive through want.”
• “Secrets are the lies characters tell themselves to survive.”
• “Vulnerability is the wound through which truth enters.”

These lines underscore Corbett’s focus on desire and inner conflict as storytelling catalysts.

Absolutely. Corbett’s methods apply to mysteries, romances, and thrillers, where nuanced antagonists and morally complex protagonists enhance plots. For example, a detective’s hidden addiction (secret) could both hinder and motivate their investigations, adding layers to a crime novel.

As a former private investigator, Corbett draws on real-world observations of human behavior, infusing his advice with psychological realism. His novels, like Done for a Dime, exemplify flawed, dynamic characters shaped by their environments and choices.