Building Characters with Johana Gustawsson

About

In crime fiction, plot may hook the reader, but it is character that keeps them turning the pages. In this immersive workshop, international bestselling author and ‘Queen of French Noir, Johana Gustawsson, guides you through the art of creating complex, believable and emotionally resonant characters. Drawing inspiration from the famous questionnaire of Marcel Proust, participants will learn how to ask the essential questions that reveal who their characters truly are beneath the surface.

Through a series of practical exercises and guided reflections, Johana demonstrates how this introspective technique can be adapted specifically for crime fiction, where motives, secrets and psychological depth are key. Writers will explore how to shape protagonists, antagonists and supporting characters, ensuring that every character in your book supports the narrative while remaining authentic and compelling.

TIFA’s Creative Writing Masterclasses offer the opportunity to learn how to craft compelling stories and bring captivating characters to life through hands-on lessons from acclaimed authors and industry experts. This is a 90-minute masterclass. All writing levels are welcome.

Johana Gustawsson

Born in Marseille, Johana Gustawsson's Roy & Castells series – Block 46, Keeper and Blood Song – won the Plume d’Argent, Balai de la découverte, Balai d’Or and Prix Marseillais du Polar awards and is published in 26 countries. The Bleeding was a No. 1 bestseller in France and Yule Island won Book of the Year with France’s biggest retailer, Cultura. Scars of Silence won the prestigious Maison de la Press Award in 2025, and the same year Johana teamed up with Norwegian crime-writer Thomas Enger, to write the international bestselling mystery, SON.

Read more about Johana Gustawsson