🔴 How to Write Character Arcs

Characters will naturally change as they face problems, make choices, and grow as people. A character arc is the process of change—or in some cases, the resistance to change—as your story progresses.

Good character arcs help the reader make sense of these changes, which makes stories deeper and helps readers care about the characters.

Types of Character Arcs

There are three main types of character arcs:

1. Positive Arc: The character fixes their problems and becomes a better person.

2. Negative Arc: The character's problems overtakes them to make them a worse person.

3. Flat Arc: The character doesn't change much (but changes the world around them).

Parts of a Good Character Arc

To make a believable character arc, think about:

1. Where they start: Show what the character is like at the beginning.

2. Problems they face: Give the character obstacles to deal with.

3. Choices they make: Have the character make important decisions in response to the obstacles.

4. Gradual change: As the events of the story transpire, show the character changing little by little, not all at once.

5. How it ends: Show how the character's growth fundamentally shapes the course of the story.

Examples

• Positive Arc: In Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," Elizabeth Bennet begins the story with preconceived notions and quick judgments. Through her interactions with Mr. Darcy and various life events, she learns to look beyond first impressions and overcome her prejudices.

• Negative Arc: In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Jay Gatsby's obsession with reclaiming his past love Daisy. This leads him down a path of self-destruction, illustrating how unchecked desires can lead to a character's downfall.

• Flat Arc: In Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus Finch serves as an excellent example of a flat arc character. Throughout the novel, Atticus maintains his strong moral compass and unwavering belief in justice and equality. While he doesn't undergo significant personal change, his steadfast character influences those around him, particularly his daughter Scout. Atticus's consistent principles and actions challenge the prejudices of his community and inspire growth in other characters, demonstrating how a flat arc character can be a powerful catalyst for change in a story.

Practical Tips:

1. Know your character: Before you write, think about who your character is, what they're good at, what they're bad at, and what they want (or stand to lose).

2. Plan pivotal moments: Find out the key events in your story that will challenge your character's beliefs or force them to make difficult decisions.

3. Show internal struggle: Use action and behavior to reveal your character's thoughts and emotions as they grapple with change.

4. Utilize supporting characters: Create secondary characters who either support or hinder your main character's growth, adding depth to their journey.

5. Maintain consistency: Ensure that your character's transformation aligns with their established personality and the events of the story.

Conclusion:

Learning how to write good character arcs will make your stories much more compelling. When characters change and grow, readers will care about them more. As you write your next story, try to make your characters change in interesting ways.

Remember, effective character arcs don't happen by accident—they require thoughtful planning and execution.