2000 Structuring the Historical Novel with Real and Fictional Characters with Roberto Castellanos (SPANISH)

Building a Historical Novel with Real and Fictional Characters How do you construct a historical novel capable of transporting the reader to another era while also telling an exciting, human story? This workshop offers a practical guide to exploring one of the genre’s greatest challenges: combining historical figures with fictional characters in a coherent, plausible, and narratively powerful way.Using examples from works such as Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar, The War of the End of the World by Mario Vargas Llosa, and I, the Worst (Yo, la peor) by Mónica Lavín, we will analyze how different authors have succeeded in merging historical research and literary creation. We will also reflect on the ethical and creative dilemmas that arise when representing real people and historical events.The workshop includes short writing and reflection exercises that will allow participants to experiment with some of the genre’s fundamental tools. Participants will work, for example, on creating a fictional character who interacts with a historical figure, constructing a scene set in a specific historical context, and exploring the narrative voice appropriate for telling a story set in the past.During the session we will address topics such as choosing the historical framework, using research sources, building complex characters, recreating believable settings and dialogue, and intertwining personal stories with major historical events.This workshop is aimed at writers, researchers, readers, and teachers interested in discovering how the historical novel can turn the past into a vivid experience for contemporary readers.

Instructor

Roberto Castellanos