Former private investigator David Corbett offers a unique and indispensable toolkit for creating characters that come vividly to life on the page and linger in memory. Corbett provides an inventive, inspiring and vastly entertaining blueprint to all the elements of characterisation from initial inspiration to realisation with special insights into the power of secrets and contradictions, the embodiment of roles, managing the tyranny of motive,' and mastering crucial techniques required for memorable dialogue and unforgettable scenes.'