Character arcs are something a lot of writers stress over and the truth is they're actually pretty simple. Calm down you're probably overcomplicating it. Here are the answers to the ten most popular questions about character arcs.
by Jenna Moreci
1. What is a character arc?
- the transformation of a character during the course of the plot
2. Which characters should have a character arc?
- pretty much any character who isn't relegated to the background
- most important: the main character
- Not all main characters have to have an arc, depending on the story or the themes.
3. Why do characters undergo an arc?
There are many reasons a person can change over time:
- result of their environment
- reaction to their trauma
- growing up
Character arcs are usually instigated by the inciting incident or conflict of the novel.
4. How do I write a character arc?
1. Introduce a character
2. Screw with their lives a bit
3. Have them change as a result of it
Simple, right?
3 components to keep in mind when planning an arc
1. The character's problem or motivation: what they are trying to achieve
2. The lie: the character is under some kind of false impression that prevents them from tackling whatever problem you've created
3. The truth: the character realizes they were wrong and embraces whatever they need to do in order to accomplish their goal
5. How should I pace a character arc?
Phase #1: Inciting Incident
Phase #2: Rising Action
Phase #3: Climax & Resolution
6. What's a positive character arc?
- when a character changes in a positive way
7. What's a negative character arc?
- when a character changes in a negative way
8. What's a flat character arc?
- when a character doesn't change
The character in question never believes the lie; they've known the truth since the beginning. The truth may be tested throughout the story, and the character may doubt themselves from time to time, but overall, they will always act in regards to the truth.
The character doesn't change internally but changes the world around them.
9. What if I'm writing a series?
The character's arc can happen progressively throughout the series.
OR
The character can have an arc per book in series.
10. What are some character arc no no's?
They usually relate to two things: intensity and pacing.
Never have characters transform off-page.
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Non-FictionWriting is hard. Being a writer is even harder. But with "Writing 4 Writers," you CAN become a better writer. Every time I sit down to write, I reference this collection of writing advice from a variety of blogs, writers, and YouTubers: Jenna Moreci...
