Exercise 1 Think of a scene from nature. See the scene from your character’s point of view and describe the scene using bricks of detail. Exercise 2 Imagine your character walks into a party.

For more than two decades, I’ve taught versions of this fiction-writing exercise. I’ve used it in universities, middle schools and private workshops, with 7-year-olds and 70-year-olds.

From Circuit in 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.' to the silent Sardarji in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', the article explores how strong character writing, even in supporting roles, has created some of Indian cinema ...