Stories are driven by change. The underdog rises to victory, the ignorant transforms into enlightenment, and stability shatters into chaos. Writers convey these changes to the audience through character arcs. In storytelling, a character arc is the heartbeat of a great plotline, giving life to the characters we root for, cry with, and cheer on as they evolve before our eyes.
So, what exactly is a character arc, and how can you write one to craft unforgettable stories? Let’s dive in!
What is a Character Arc?
Remember J.R.R. Tolkien’s character Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings? Frodo begins as an ordinary, unassuming hobbit living a peaceful life in the Shire. When he is entrusted with the daunting task of destroying the One Ring, he embarks on a perilous journey that tests his courage, resilience, and morality. His arc is one of transformation from innocence to a burdened, wiser soul, forever changed by the weight of his responsibility.
That’s one example of character arcs. It is simply the transformation one undergoes throughout a story, whether it’s a shift within themselves or in their external world.
Types of Character Arcs
Characters can evolve in countless ways, but their arcs generally fall into one of three categories: positive, negative, or flat.
Positive Character Arcs
A positive character arc is one of the most uplifting and common in storytelling. It usually begins with a character facing weakness, uncertainty, or moral ambiguity and evolves into a journey of growth, strength, and moral clarity. The change is often due to the challenges, conflicts, and personal revelations, character faces throughout the story.
For instance, Harry Potter starts as an orphaned, mistreated boy with little self-confidence. Over the series, he grows into a brave and self-assured young man, learning about friendship, courage, and his own strength. By the end, he emerges as a hero.
Negative Character Arcs
In these stories, protagonists do not succeed; instead, they end up in a worse state than where they began. The change experienced is inherently negative. They descend into evil, succumb to their own flaws, or become corrupted. Often, these narratives culminate in tragic outcomes, including death.
In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth starts as a respected soldier but is consumed by ambition and character flaws. His quest for power leads him to commit murder and become increasingly tyrannical. Ultimately, his moral decline results in his downfall and death.
Flat Character Arcs
Flat character arcs feature characters who do not undergo any significant change. Instead, they remain steadfast in their beliefs or traits, serving to influence change in others or their surroundings. These arcs are compelling as they showcase the power of unwavering conviction and consistency in the face of challenges.
In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch maintains his steadfast moral principles and sense of justice throughout the story. He doesn’t undergo changes but serves as a consistent moral guide for others.
How to Write a Character Arc?
Let’s get into the process of creating a compelling character arc.
Starting Point and End Point
Start by clearly defining your character at the beginning of your story. Outline their personality traits, aspirations, flaws, and core beliefs. This initial setup creates the foundation from which their transformation will develop. Also, determine where your character will be at the story’s conclusion, whether they will have changed or remained the same.
Introduce Key Turning Point
Introduce the key event that upends your character’s ordinary life and triggers their journey. This inciting incident could be a sudden loss, a major opportunity, or an unexpected encounter that challenges their current state and pushes them towards growth.
Show the Journey
As the story unfolds, carefully develop your character’s journey. Show how they respond to challenges, make decisions, and evolve through their experiences. Each obstacle they face should contribute to their growth, revealing new aspects of their personality and values. Make sure your character’s arc is intertwined with the overall plot, so their growth feels integral to the story’s progression.
Resolve the Arc
Wrap up your character’s arc in a fulfilling manner. Show how they’ve changed through their experiences. Resolve any remaining conflicts, tie up loose ends, and emphasize the lessons they’ve learned. Provide the closure to readers and highlight the impact of their transformation on themselves.
Conclusion
Well, a good crafted character arc is vital for creating emotionally engaging, realistic, and impactful stories since it makes them memorable. Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, focusing on character arcs will help you create stories that connect with your audience.
