What have you learned from the novels you admire?
Considering characterization in my favorite novels, I have learned that characters may be defined directly, by their or someone else’s words and actions, or indirectly by their gesture, reactions to the topic or by heredity. For example, R.R. Raskolnikov in “Crime and Punishment” by F. Dostoyevsky is often described as intelligent, strong and handsome and from his actions (killing Alyona and Lizaveta Ivanovna) we can see that he considers himself to be “Napoleon” – someone who can push boundaries and has no moral. But through his dreams and small, unnoticed actions we can see that he is the direct opposite of what he thinks of himself. For example even though he has no money, he leaves all the money to save hungry children and often has nightmares after murdering Alyona and Lizaveta Ivanovna.
In your opinion, what will they do to help you to become a better prose writer?
It showed me that to be a better prose writer paying attention to the details and motivating your character’s actions in many ways is the key. Henrik Ibsen said that he motivated his character Miss Julia with heredity, but also with social influence, upbringing and fantastic atmosphere of midnight summer dream, otherwise, her actions wouldn’t be justified or realistic.
