A fundamental element of any novel or short story can be in finding the right narrative voice, and working out how the protagonist in particular should best come across on the page. Chinese writer Sheng Keyi, who is rapidly finding new readers of her work all around the world; Isabelle Wery from Belgium, who won the European Prize for literature; and Richard Obermayr from Austria who was nominated for the same award, will discuss their work and how they identify the traits and tone of their characters.