The topic of writing is broad, and within these chapters we aim to cover as many parts of writing as possible; those important details that improve a story, as well as a writer's ability to tell it. We want to help you develop your characters, set t...
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Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming. — Jim Rohn, American Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker
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A character arc is the journey of a character over the course of a story. A compelling character arc has a character facing fears and overcoming challenges as the story unfolds, often resulting in the character's personal growth. Character arcs usually progress in tandem with the story arc. Learning how to construct a strong character arc will turn a good character into a great character and improve your story in the process.
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Four Types of Character Arcs
1. Transformational arc is a character arc in which the main character goes from being a regular person to a hero over the course of the story. This type of character arc is associated with epic stories and the archetypal hero's journey story structure. Examplesinclude Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter.
2. Positive change arc is similar to a transformational arc but usually not quite as dramatic. A positive arc requires that a character experience positive change over the course of a story. Characters generally start out with negative outlooks or characteristics and develop a positive worldview by the end of the story. Examples include Ebenezer Scrooge and The Grinch.
3. Negative change arc involves a character starting out as good or benevolent and descending into evil or ill intent over the course of a story. An exampleof this would be Michael Corleone in The Godfather, who starts as a squeaky clean army veteran with a good reputation despite being from an organized crime family. By the end of the story, Michael finds himself at the head of the crime family, consumed by a bloodthirsty need to maintain power and control.
