Part of Robert McKee’s
2025 SUMMER PROGRAM
Character
3-Part Webinar Series
Date: From July 1 – 3, 2025
Time: From 1:00PM – 3:00PM (ET)
On Demand: Until September 30, 2025
$197.00
People are not what they appear to be. The revelation of deep character is fundamental to story—major characters cannot be at heart what they seem to be at face value. The writer’s task is to structure story events and design the supporting cast to draw out the character’s true nature.
In this 3-part series, Robert McKee teaches the art of character creation, deepens insight into hidden psychological depth, and provides the tools you need to configure an entire cast—from the protagonist outward through the first, second and third circles of supporting roles.
Clips from the 2021 Character Series Q&A Sessions.
What You’ll Learn
PART 1
The Writer as Character
In Part 1 of the series, McKee breaks down inspiration, how to approach building your characters, and the qualities writers must possess to successfully create them.
Topics covered include...
- Invention vs. Giving Birth
Where do your characters come from - Outside-In vs. Inside-Out
How should you approach character creation? - Building Character
Fitting setting to character versus character to setting.
PART 2
Creating Your Protagonist
In Part 2 of the series, McKee teaches the core traits of a central character that works, and the different types of protagonists around which you can construct your stories.
Topics covered include...
- Nine Protagonist Qualities
Elements essential to your central character. - Nine Protagonist Varieties
The different incarnations of protagonists available to writers.
PART 3
Cast Design
In Part 3 of the series, McKee breaks down the fundamentals of cast design, how to populate your cast, and presents a detailed analysis of the different character roles writers can utilize.
Topics covered include...
- The Protagonist’s Orbit
How do other characters interact with your protagonist? - Creating Support Roles
How to approach populating your cast map. - 12 Support Roles
A detailed breakdown of the roles other characters can play in your story.
How it Works
Webinars
Learn online from Robert McKee
This webinar series consists of three live writing lectures delivered online by Robert McKee via Zoom. Each session is 2 hours in length and starts at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada). This series runs from Tuesday, July 1, through Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Students like the online format because...
“I feel like I am part of a brilliant international writing community just by logging in to Zoom in the evenings from my small living room in the middle of Sweden.”
Elin Olofsson
Q&A Sessions
Ask McKee Anything
Every webinar concludes with a Q&A session during which Robert answers your questions on the topics covered during the lecture, or on any aspect of the writing craft. Participants can submit their questions during the live session or in advance by email.
Students like the Q&A periods because...
“I didn’t realize in the beginning how much the questions would help me learn, but it turns out they are just as important as the lectures. I think that is in large part to the careful attention Robert gives to each one.”
Billie Tomlinson
Live & On Demand
Can’t attend live? No problem!
If you can’t join us live, you can catch up at your convenience. Recordings are made available within 24 hours of the conclusion of each event, and can be viewed as many times as you like within the access period. Recordings will be available through September 30, 2025.
Students like recording access because...
“It’s really great to have the chance to watch these webinars at my own convenience and not having to take time off work to attend. I hope he continues to do them, I’ll continue to take them. Can’t wait for the next class.”
Marcos Meconi
What Attendees Are Saying
Natasha Phillips
Marlene Simon
Matt Isner
Jane Olander
Friederike Giley
“I had several ‘light bulb moments’ as I took notes, and was able to incorporate his ideas into my work-in-progress immediately. This webinar was well worth the time and money.”
Erin Brescia
Ed Han
“I am thoroughly enjoying these sessions and have learned so much beyond my collegiate studies. Robert has inspired, encouraged, and empowered me with his wonderful teaching.”
Becky Bulebush
“I am really enjoying the seminars and am so glad that I signed up. These webinars are inspiring me to make more effort to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!) and pursue my ambitions. I must say that I have attended several different writing courses over the years, but none as inspiring as Robert’s.”
Sharon Grey
Rebecca O'Reilly
Barry Eisler
Cheryl Willis
Carol Roscoe
Robert Robertson
John Jurko
Barbara Seyda
Lilly Chen
Varda Tully
BUNDLE & SAVE
To support your commitment to the craft, we’re offering bundle deals on the Summer Program.
Save when you enroll in multiple webinars.
DETAILS
2 Webinars = Save $20
3 Webinars = Save $45
4 Webinars = Save $75
Discounts are applied automatically when courses are added to the cart.