If you loved
The Art of Character
David Corbett · Book · 2013
What hooked you in The Art of Character was the way you can dissect human behavior to reveal the complex motivations driving a protagonist.
Films on the same thread
The Secret in Their Eyes
Juan José Campanella · Film · 2009
Just as The Art of Character explores the intersection of memory and obsession, this film examines how a character's internal history dictates their pursuit of elusive justice and truth.
Blade Runner 2049
Denis Villeneuve · Film · 2017
The Art of Character highlights the necessity of internal conflict, a principle clearly reflected in Officer K as he navigates his identity and existential crisis within a dystopian framework.
Inception
Christopher Nolan · Film · 2010
Cobb’s journey mirrors the character-driven depth advocated in The Art of Character, where deep-seated guilt and complex memory structures are used to force a protagonist toward necessary personal transformation.
Zodiac
David Fincher · Film · 2007
If you valued the investigative rigor in The Art of Character, you will appreciate how this film tracks the consuming, slow-burn obsession that transforms a character's life and identity.
Series on the same thread
The Mentalist
Bruno Heller · Series · 2008
Patrick Jane demonstrates the exact type of observational mastery detailed in The Art of Character, using his profound understanding of human nature to manipulate and solve complex criminal cases.
Columbo
William Link · Series · 1971
Columbo is a masterclass in the characterization techniques found in The Art of Character, specifically regarding how a character’s outward appearance can intentionally mask a razor-sharp, strategic mind.
Lie to Me
Sam Baum · Series · 2009
Dr. Cal Lightman exemplifies the character-building tools in The Art of Character by using specific, observable behavioral cues to decode the motivations and deceptions hidden within the human psyche.
MacGyver
Lee David Zlotoff · Series · 1985
MacGyver embodies the resourceful, ingenuity-based arc that The Art of Character identifies as essential for compelling protagonists, showing how a character's unique toolkit defines their approach to impossible problems.
Podcasts on the same thread
CounterClock
Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025
This podcast mirrors the narrative techniques discussed in The Art of Character by using the lens of a cold case to explore how investigative persistence reveals the truth behind human tragedy.
The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig · Podcast · 2026
Much like the toolkit provided in The Art of Character, this show deconstructs the habits and internal blueprints of high performers to understand the mechanics behind their sustained personal success.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Art of Character written by a professional author?
Yes, The Art of Character was written by David Corbett. He is a New York Times notable author and a former private investigator who uses his unique background to provide an indispensable toolkit for creating memorable characters that come vividly to life on the page.
What does The Art of Character cover regarding character development?
The Art of Character provides an inventive blueprint covering all elements of characterization. The book guides writers through the entire process from initial inspiration to final realization, including specific insights into the power of secrets and how to make characters linger in the reader's memory.
Does The Art of Character focus on specific steps for character creation?
Yes, The Art of Character offers a structured, indispensable toolkit for writers. It functions as a comprehensive guide that breaks down the essential elements of characterization, helping authors move from the initial spark of an idea to the full realization of a character on the page.
Is The Art of Character considered a practical guide for writers?
Yes, The Art of Character is designed as a practical, entertaining blueprint for writers. By drawing on David Corbett's experience as a private investigator and novelist, the book offers actionable techniques to help authors craft characters that feel authentic and remain impactful to the reader.