Designing Great Radio Characters

Once you’ve got your idea for a story, it’s time to come up with some characters. But, just like story concepts, not all characters are equally at home within the medium of audio fiction. What makes a great radio character? And how do you make sure that you give them a unique, distinctive voice?

Lesson Companion

Audio Fiction 101

Buy nowLearn more

Unit 1

  • Introduction
  • The Science of Storytelling
  • The Art of Control
  • High Five!
  • The Four Tools
  • Re-Re-Re-Definition
  • The Limits of Imagination
  • Thou Shalt Be Clear

Unit 2

  • Introduction - Let's Go Deeper
  • The Strengths of Audio Drama
  • The Weaknesses of Audio Drama
  • Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
  • Designing Great Radio Characters
  • Location, Location, Location
  • Talk the Talk
  • Writing for Sound Effects
  • Radio GaGa
  • Plot and Structure
  • Narrative Rhyming
  • Ten Point Structure
  • Serialization
  • Some Thoughts on World-Building
  • World-Building In Audio

Unit 3

  • Introduction - Pick Up Those Pencils
  • Getting Started
  • The Fear of Public Shame
  • Outlines Are Your Friend
  • Outlines Are Your Frienemies?
  • First Drafts Are Not As Scary As They Seem
  • Revising and Improving
  • It's Not Over Till It's Over
  • What About Theme?
  • Conclusion

Appendix

  • Ten Books You Need to Read Right Now
  • Ten Radio Dramas You Need to Listen To Right Now
  • Writing Software and Formats