SWC November 2021 Weekly #1 - Characters

Welcome, lovely campers to the first weekly of the November 2021 session of SWC!

In this weekly, you’ll learn and write about characters. You’ll complete 3 workshops, write several writing pieces and design multiple characters, before tying everything you’ve learned together at the end!

You may begin working on this weekly at 12:01am on the 2nd of November, UTC timezone. You have a full week to complete it, so do your best not to rush or stress out!

Part One: Character Voices
Often, different characters have different ways to differentiate themselves from other characters! One way is character voices! Check out this amazing workshop by @rey_venclaw: Distinct Character Voices. In it, you’ll learn all about character voices - what they are, how you can utilise them and why they’re important.

Once you’ve done that, you need to design two characters. Focus on their personalities and how this could affect their character voices. Then, write 200 words of dialogue between your two characters.

The epic @Cherrie_Tree has written an example for us. Here she’s talking us through her thought process while designing distinct voices for two of her characters:

I have one character who is extroverted and outgoing. They like to have extended conversations with people and to get others. This could mean they speak in longer sentences and rather informally. They usually speak in a more excited manner, but can come off as pushy sometimes.

The other character is more reserved. This character is more thoughtful about certain topics, but because they’re more shy, they would use short and direct sentences to get to the point. They might also speak more formally and use proper grammar and capitalization too!

You can share your thought process with us too, but it’s not required! This example is just here to help you understand what you might want to think about when writing your own weekly.

Your writing piece for this part should look something like this (note: the dialogue does not correspond with the two characters above!):

”I don’t really think..” she said, trailing off yet again “It might not be…”
“Yeah, ‘course it’ll be fine!” He interrupted. “Always is, trust me.”
“I just don’t…”
“Leave it to me, sugar.” At this Juliet took a deep breath, furrowing her brow.
“Mr Joyce, your plan isn’t going to work. It’s evident right here that we barely have the funding to sustain the first stage, let alone the following three. Besides, the penultimate stage is a mess and will be catastrophic for the company’s public image. We cannot execute this plan,” she spat out in one breath. Mr Joyce waved his hand.
“She’ll be right, so you can stop meddling in my beeswax, love.”

Part Two: Character motivations
Now you have two characters, you’re ready to flesh them out a bit. So go do this awesome workshop by @Imacreamoo: Character Motivations. You’ll learn all about character motivations for both heroes and villains, which will really help you build up both your plot and your characters.
After you’ve learnt all about that, it’s time to put it into practice! Take the two characters from before: It’s time to refine their motivations and plan out a character arc. Write a 500 word scene depicting a turning point for your character - maybe their motivations change, or an event kickstarts their character arc. Such turning points are often important in a story.

Here's an example of me designing a protagonist and writing a sample scene:

I’m designing a protagonist, let’s call her Sadie. Her self worth relies a lot on what others think of her, so she’s continually seeking approval from others. Sadie’s motivation is getting praise and approval so when she meets our villain, she’s easily manipulated - all the villain has to do is praise her and she will want to help them.

I might write my scene something like this (although this is shorter than yours will be!):

Sadie crept through the cavernous space, heart lurching at the sound of each muffled footstep. Creeeaaakk - she whipped around, barely breathing. A noise had come from the door.
“That’s neat work you’ve made of the locks there.” a voice said behind her. “I’m impressed.”
She couldn’t help but smile a bit at this: Finally someone acknowledged the level of finesse required to open locks such as those. The voice spoke again, coming closer “I sure could use someone like you in my team.”
At this, a figure stepped in front of her, revealing herself to be none other than Velavia, the elusive head of the destructive (and certainly evil) Valendra. “My girls always bash up locks, we dearly need a skilled lockpicker like you. You’d show them how it’s done, wouldn’t you?” Sadie felt her heart warming at Velavia’s words. She knew she’d be appreciated here, and how could a woman as appreciative as this really be evil?
“Will you work for me? If money’s the issue, I have lots of it,” Velavia said with a small smile.
“Well, I don’t know,” Sadie said. She desperately wanted to work for Velavia now. She couldn’t wait to be valued and, well, be important. But she couldn’t show that. “What’s in it for me?”
“Whatever you like, my dear.” That sold it.
“Okay, it’s a deal.” Sadie couldn’t wait to work with the Valendra. Surely there was more to them than what meets the eye.

Part Three: Villains
Now you have characters, it’s time for a villain! You can either design a whole new one (be sure to include a distinct character voice, motivations and a character arc!) or use/modify one of the characters you’ve already designed for this weekly. Use this fantastic workshop by @suburban-darkness to help you: All About Villains. You’ll learn so much in this workshop, from motivations to flaws, backstories and appearance.

Here’s an example of what your process might look like (courtesy of the wonderful @Cherrie_Tree once again):

I think that I want my villain to not scream ‘I am a villain’, so I’ll make him peculiar enough, but not enough to be like ‘oh this is the villain’! Maybe he’ll dress slightly fancier than usual, but always have narrow eyes. He also doesn’t get excited that easily, which is a signature trait he has but grins sometimes when he feels amused. The character might have a lower, more composed voice and talk in a non-straightforward way.
Because of this, my villain is more mysterious and cunning, but desires genuine connections and relationships. However, he often plays games in order to see if they are worthy and often uses manipulation as a tool to see whether this friend is true. He often manipulates the heroes for his own goals and if the villain tries to befriend the hero, kind of emotionally torments them. I think the villain and hero can be dualities in their personalities, and in a way, by facing off each other they grow and become more genuine.
A minor flaw might be that he is slightly arrogant, a major flaw is that he tends to categorize people into black-and-white good / bad categories, and a fatal flaw is that he’s so dishonest, that he can’t distinguish truths from lies. I might make his backstory something about desiring friends because he was relatively lonely, but people simply used him. His motive might be simply wanting to be loved. The villain and hero will mirror each other in their desires, however, they have different flaws (the hero is too trusting, the villain is too dishonest). Later, I may decide to list more (and infodump).

You don’t have to write all this down though! This part isn’t a writing task - it’s a character design task. So you don’t need a specific amount of words, and this explanation is to help you see what your thought process could look like - not as an example of the work you should have for your task.

Part Four: Bringing it together
Once you have your villain, it’s time to complete the final part of this weekly. Your task is to write a 1000 word story from your villain’s point of view, including the characters and character arcs you have planned. 1000 words isn’t very long for a character arc, but see what you can do - I’m sure you’ll surprise yourself!

To receive 4500 points for your cabin, comment in the main cabin that you have completed your weekly with links to the following proof:

• The dialogue you wrote between your characters (part 1), which must be at least 200 words
  
• The scene you wrote as a turning point for your character (part 2), which must be at least 500 words
  
• A brief description of your villain (part 3)
  
• Your final story tying together everything you’ve learned this weekly (part 4)

You must do so before 11:59pm on the 8th of November, UTC time zone. If you are late or do not complete all of this weekly, you won’t receive points.

ignore :)

YAYYY

AHHH YAY <33

A question Kat, are we required to create new characters for this weekly, or can we use characters we've already created?

Sunclaw68 wrote:

A question Kat, are we required to create new characters for this weekly, or can we use characters we've already created?

It's preferable to create new characters, but I think it would also be okay to flesh out the motivations of existing characters. ^^

Question: Is it one turning point scene for each of the characters? Or just one scene for one character?

ButterPopcorn8 wrote:

Question: Is it one turning point scene for each of the characters? Or just one scene for one character?

One scene for one character! <3

whiteandblackcat wrote:

ButterPopcorn8 wrote:

Question: Is it one turning point scene for each of the characters? Or just one scene for one character?

One scene for one character! <3

Okay, thanks!

Oh right weekly. On the first day of swc - nice. :Applause: ik why that is but hAhA it's too early in the session :eyeroll: /hj. Well uh school right uGh hopefully I find the time. This looks like a fun weekly tho!

IM doing part 3 first

Nice!! It looks like a fun weekly
Count Olaf- oh gosh I just finished the series-

nice im already starting right now <33

Hi! I really don't understand wut you are talking about. And I really don't have the time! So can anyone please explain me in simple words? Your effort will be highly appreciated!

Helloxx001 wrote:

Hi! I really don't understand wut you are talking about. And I really don't have the time! So can anyone please explain me in simple words? Your effort will be highly appreciated!

This is the weekly - you have a week to complete it and if you do so, you'll earn 4500 points for your cabin. You don't have to do it though, no one will force you to ^^.

Weekly #1

Part 1: Character Voices

My characters are Winter and Ruby.

“Alright girl,” Ruby ordered. “You are going to go in there and tell him how much you love him.”

“Ruby!” Winter shivered. “Don’t say it so loud!”

Winter and Ruby stood outside the gymnasium, where the boy’s basketball team was having their final match of the regular season. They were currently winning 112 to 96. Carrying the team to victory was Xavier, the team’s star player.

Also known as Winter’s crush since pre-school.

“The game’s almost over,” Ruby pointed out. “Once it’s done, you’re gonna waltz in there and do your thing.”

“So I just stumble over my words and get completely embarrassed?” Winter rolled her eyes. “Sure.”

Ruby shook her head “You and your sarcasm. You’re never going to win him over with that attitude. You’ve got to be confident and proud of yourself.”

“Like you?”

“Like me.”

Winter just sighed. Ruby was right. For once she had to stand out and be proud of who she was.

Otherwise Xavier would never notice her.

Suddenly, the buzzer went off. The Sunset Grove Chargers, Xavier’s team, had won it 120 to 100.

“Now’s your chance!” Before Winter could protest, Ruby was pushing her into the gym.

Winter wanted to bail out, but it was too late. Xavier was walking up to her.

Okay, don’t be afraid. Just tell him how you feel.

“Winter! You’re just the person I wanted to see.”

“R-Really?!” Winter yelled, a bit too loud, then closed her mouth. “I mean, hi Xavier.”

Xavier laughed a little. Ruby snickered.

“So anyway,” Xavier continued. “I wanted to tell you something.”

“I wanted to tell you something too!” Winter blurted out

The two looked at each other, then yelled at the same time:

“I love you!”

287 words

Part 2: Character Motivation

“Winter, can I come in?”

“Permission denied.”

“Too late girl, I'm coming in.” Ruby opened Winter's bedroom door to find her laying on the bed, tears streaming down her pale face.

“Ruby, did you not hear what I said?” Winter quickly tried to wipe away her tears. “Get out.”

“Oh my gosh, you are a complete mess,” Ruby gasped. She sat down next to Winter and patted her head.

Winter didn't have the energy to complain. “Ruby…”

“It's okay love,” Ruby reassured. “It's okay. I'm here for you. You can tell me.”

That was what Winter needed to hear to start ranting.

“I don't get it Ruby! What did I do wrong?! I thought Xavier loved me. If he lived me, then he would understand and stop being a jerk. He called me clingy Ruby! Clingy! And even if I was, it was because he started texting with another girl! I hate him so much!”

The pain was too much for Winter. The memories of her and Xavier's falling out were just too much.

“Hey,” Ruby sighed. “Don't you think you're overreacting?”

“Overreacting?!”

“I know it doesn't seem like it,” Ruby continued. “But ever since you and Xavier started dating, you've been, well, a tad too attached to him. You're always surveilling him, you rarely let him talk to any girl other than you, and you always want to be with him. I'm sorry but if I was Xavier, that would even drive me insane.”

“I-I…” Winter felt like she was choking on air.

“Winter, honey, if this relationship is becoming too much for you, then I think it's time you let go.”

Winter didn't respond. She looked to the floor, her tears falling faster.

“Sometimes it's best to take the harder path in life,” Ruby mumbled. “And maybe, in this case, breaking up with Xavier is that path. So if-”

“No! I won't!”

Winter abruptly stood up, to Ruby's surprise.

“I… love him,” Winter exclaimed. “And I won't let a stupid argument break us apart. I won't.”

“Winter! Wait!”

Too late. Winter had dashed out of the room, leaving Ruby behind.
——————
The next day, after school, Winter asked Xavier if he could meet her at the gymnasium.

“Ugh,” Winter grumbled. “Where is he?”

Winter looked at the time on her phone. 3:35. Xavier was ten minutes late. Had he deserted Winter again? Hopefully not.

Just as Winter was about to leave, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around.

“Hey, sorry I'm late,” Xavier apologized. “Teacher wanted me to help clean up. What's the matter?”

Winter turned her gaze away, reciting her lines in her head. Then she looked back at Xavier, sighing.

“I've been a terrible girlfriend.”

Xavier nearly choked on air. “Winter, that's not…”

“No,” Winter interrupted. “I was being super overprotective because I didn't want to lose you. But instead of keeping you closer, I ended up driving you away. I'm sorry.”

Xavier shook his head. He pulled Winter into a hug, shocking her.

“It's okay,” Xavier whispered. “I get it. I shouldn't have made you feel that way. I'm the one who should be apologizing.”

Winter and Xavier stayed in that position for a while. Finally Winter pulled herself away, only to pull Xavier to her, as they shared a kiss.

547 words

Part 3: Villain

Arghhh!

Why is it always her! Why did she have to have him. Xavier was supposed to be hers!

Ruby punched her room wall.

Earlier that day, Winter and Xavier and made up and were back together. Disgusting.

Another plan failed! Another one! Why did all her plans keep on failing?!

Ruby looked at her reflection in the shattered mirror. Her mascara was ruined, running down her cheeks. Her face was turning red. Her blonde hair has in a mess with bits of food stuck in it.

“Winter… I'll get you,” Ruby whispered. “I'll get you and take back what was supposed to be mine. I promise.”

107 words

Part 4: Putting it Together

Every year, Sunset Grove held a year- end party to celebrate the end of the school year. It was one of the biggest events ever.

Winter checked herself one more time in the mirror. Her white gown matched her long white hair, and she wore a snowflake pin. She was like the snow queen.

“Oh. My. Gosh. Girl, you look so pretty!”

Ruby walked into Winter's room. She wore her silk red dress along with red gloves and her hair done in a braid.

“It's nothing,” Winter blushed. “Do you think Xavier will like it?”

“Oh I know he'll like it. Now come on! He'll be here soon.”

Xavier was picking up Winter and Ruby for the dance that night. The two girls rushed downstairs and slipped on their shoes. That's when the doorbell rang.

“He's here!” Winter opened the door.

Standing outside was Xavier, wearing a blue suit and yellow tie. His messy orange hair for once looked really clean.

“Woah,” he gawked. “You both look like queens.”

“Oh shush you.” Winter pecked him on the cheek. Ruby, from afar, did her best to hid her frown.

“Ok, I think we're all set. Let's get going!”
————————
By the time the trio got to the party, it was already in full swing. A DJ was playing some tunes on stage while volunteers served food and drinks to the attendees. Many were on the dance floor, dancing their hearts out. Some were in the photo booth, while others got face paintings.

Xavier had excused himself from the girls to help one of his friends set up some party games. So it was Winter and Ruby alone together.

“Winter! Could you come with me for a sec?” Ruby needed a favor.

“Sure,” Winter agreed. “Whatever you need.”

Ruby led her friend across the school, passing many people until they reached the kitchen. It was dark, one of the only things illuminating the room was the light coming from the big freezer

Winter looked around. “Ruby, why are we here?”

“Oh, well,” Ruby looked flustered. “You know how the school kitchen has this big freezer? I was hoping you could help me bring out some stuff. The teachers wanted me to bring out some extra food in case we needed more.”

“Hmm? Okay then.” Winter turned her attention to the big freezer. Ruby unlocked the door using the keys she had brought. Winter leaned inside, searching for food.

That's when it happened.

Winter felt herself get forcefully shoved into the freezer. Before she knew it, Ruby was locking the door.

“Ruby?!” Winter shivered, her body beginning to freeze. “What's happening?! Let me out!”

All Winter heard in response was Ruby's mocking laughter.

“Let me out! Please!” Winter banged in the door.

“Aww, poor Winter is stuck,” Ruby cackled. “Good for you honey.”

“Ruby?!” Winter didn't believe what she was hearing.

“You know,” Ruby deadpanned. “You've been quite annoying to deal with these past months. I'm surprised I held back, especially after you took my future boyfriend for yourself.”

“Wait, Xavier?! Ruby, what on earth is wrong with you?!”

“Shut up! Shut up!” Ruby cried out, screeching at Winter. “I loved him! He was supposed to be mine! Then you took him away! You took him for yourself! Do you know how much you broke me?! How much you split me apart?! All of a sudden I was a third wheel, a lackey following the new couple on the block. You acted like I was nothing! I tried countless times to destroy your love with Xavier and failed too many times! You ruined everything!”

Winter couldn't speak. She could no longer find her voice.

“So now,” Ruby continued. “You're going to freeze while I go and take back what was supposed to be mine. Have fun Winter.”

“Ruby, wait!”

Winter was far too late. Ruby had already gone, leaving her former best friend to freeze.

Winter cried out, yelled for help. But nothing worked.

She was stuck.

And she was doomed.
—————————-
Xavier had spent the last ten minutes looking for Ruby and Winter, but to no avail. He simply couldn't find them.

Suddenly, as he began to lose hope, Ruby appeared, smiling.

“Xavier! Just the person I wanted to see!”

“Where's Winter?” Xavier practically ignored Ruby's presence. “Where is she?”

“Yes, I need to talk to you about her,” Ruby mumbled. She then whispered in his ear: “She left.”

“Huh?” Xavier was confused. “Where?”

“She had an emergency come up, so she needed to leave. She said I should tell you.”

“Oh,” Xavier slumped his shoulders, disappointed.

“I'm very sorry,” Ruby apologized. “Do you want to leave?”

Xavier dismissed that idea. “No, it's fine. Besides, I have you around with me.”

Ruby giggled as Xavier smiled at her, pulling her closer to him. Ruby finally felt at peace, knowing that now she could make her final move.
—————————
Winter kicked the door once again. Once again it didn't budge.

It had been around 5 minutes since Ruby trapped her inside the freezer. 5 whole minutes.

Winter could feel the cold spread through her body. She felt scared, knowing what would happen if she didn't escape…

Ruby. How could she have done such a thing. They were best friends! Best for since pre-school. How could Ruby do this? Just for a boy she'll never have?

Winter was starting to lose feeling in her fingertips. She needed to get out of there. Fast.

Summing up all her energy, she focused on the freezer door and landed one final strike.
————-
“I love this song.”

Ruby hummed softly as she and Xavier danced together. The DJ was playing a romantic song, one made for couples.

“Me too,” Xavier agreed. “I really enjoy it.”

Ruby smiled. Finally, she was getting what she wanted. Finally, her time and come. Finally, she could be with her love. Finally, she was rid of everything that kept them apart.

This is what she always wanted. This is-

“Stop the music!”

A voice suddenly boomed across the whole gymnasium. Everything came to a halt. Xavier's mouth dropped open. Ruby looked like she was about to burst.

No… I got rid of her! I got rid of her!

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Winter looked over the crowd. Her arms were folded. “I'm here to tell you that Ruby LaPointe, the girl we know as popular and caring, is a monster!”

1,063 words.

TOTAL: 2004 words

Where would you post your work?

For Part 3, is there a specific limit of words?

Nekiam09 wrote:

Where would you post your work?

You can do it either here or in the SWC writing thread (https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/553307/ )

Starrial wrote:

For Part 3, is there a specific limit of words?

No, there's no limit or minimum