Beyond The Conventions: Writing The Non Traditional Protagonist with Bob Schultz

Join us and learn how to write a protagonist who breaks the mould and still holds an audience.

One day. Online. Replay for one year
Sat 23 Jan 2027 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM GMT

Storytelling has evolved. The flawed protagonist who overcomes on their own outward or inward journey is still a very powerful model. But audiences crave diversity now, and with the growth of long form narrative and ever more sophisticated viewers, there is room for something different.

Enter the non traditional protagonist.

In this one day seminar, Bob Schultz goes beyond the conventions and shows you how to write a lead character who doesn't follow the usual rules, and why that can make your script stand out from the pile.

By the end of the day you will

• Understand the traditional protagonist model, and where and why you can break it

• Know the different kinds of non traditional protagonist, from the passive to the unchanging to the ensemble

• Know how to keep an audience invested in a character who doesn't follow the usual arc

• Have a protagonist for your own project that feels fresh and authentic

Part 1: The Rules (The Traditional Protagonist)

What the classic hero's journey gives us, and why it is such a powerful model for audiences.

• Outcome: a clear grasp of the conventions, so you know exactly what you are breaking

Part 2: Breaking The Mould (Non Traditional Protagonists)

Protagonists who don't change, don't want, don't win or don't lead. How they work and the stories they make possible.

• Outcome: a toolkit of non traditional protagonist types

Part 3: Holding The Audience (Engagement)

How to keep the reader and audience emotionally invested when your lead doesn't behave the way they expect.

• Outcome: techniques to build empathy and momentum without a conventional arc

Part 4: Your Protagonist (Putting It Into Practice)

Applying the day's tools to your own script, and testing your lead against what modern audiences and buyers want.

• Outcome: a fresh, distinctive protagonist for your next script

Sat 23 Jan 2027 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM GMT
Live online with replay for one year