#033 - What does  “character development” or “developing characters” mean?

And do we, as songwriters, really have to think about how we create our song’s character? And if so, how can we show the audience a character in the lyrics that they can invest themselves in? That is so believable that they themselves have the power to carry the message of the song?

If you ever thought that the task of character development is for writers of novels or screenplays only, this episode will surprise you.

So let’s dive in and find out more about the importance of your song’s character.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:19] The importance of the song’s character

[00:06:45] Developing characters vs. evolving characters.

[00:10:15] Three reasons why fleshing out your characters is so darn important.

[00:11:36] What makes a well-developed character?

[00:12:13] How does character development affect the story?

[00:13:37] Different kinds of characters in songwriting

[00:15:40] Dynamic Characters in Songwriting

[00:24:38] How to create a dynamic character for your next song?

[00:28:44] "Dynamic Characters" – Assignment

Show Notes

• I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) lyrics © Edward B Marks Music Company, Marks Edward B. Music Corp., Edward B. Marks Music Co.
• Nothing Else Matters lyrics © Creeping Death Music
• Ain't No Other Man lyrics © Universal Music - Careers, Downtown Music Publishing Llc, Bug Music, Xtina Music, Gifted Pearl Music Inc., Bobby Marin Music Publishing, Reach Music Publishing Inc., Concord Copyrights
• I'd Come for You lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
• Love Yourself lyrics © Universal Music Corp., Bieber Time Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited
• "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera - Three Lyric Writing Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Audience’s Engagement https://storiesinsongs.com/podcast/episode-011
• Crucial Components of Narrative Songwriting https://storiesinsongs.com/podcast/episode-021/
• Development Engine: Pattinson's 3 Boxes - ADVANCED: 5 Commandments of Storytelling https://storiesinsongs.com/podcast/episode-026/
• Develop your Lyric's Verses by Using Progressive Complications https://storiesinsongs.com/podcast/episode-027/
• 3 Ways to Develop your Song's Character by Looking at Internal Content Genres https://storiesinsongs.com/podcast/episode-030/

Support the show

Would you like to join our FREE 3-hour Masterclass on ...
The #1 Secret of Writing Timeless Hit Song Lyrics, and How You Can Do It, too.

Go tolyricmastery.com/getstarted