Last week, we focused in on how to develop your characters; from establishing their goals and motivations to how to make them relatable. As there is just so much to talk about in terms of characters, we just didn't feel we could only spend one week on them. So this week we will look specifically at Character Arcs.
Character Arcs often confuse most writers when they first start out, when really they are not that mysterious.
Character arcs = the journey of a character's inner growth.
It is the process of them transitioning from one state of being to another, and it is through these arcs that characters evolve, face challenges, and ultimately experience transformation. By the end of the story, characters should emerge changed, having learned valuable lessons and achieved personal growth.
Now you might be thinking, "but, I already do that!" And it all likelihood you do. Most compelling stories revolve around characters that undergo transformation. In our opinion, the best stories are character driven with the plot influencing the character's growth and vice versa.
It is through these character arcs, that a writer achieves depth and emotional resonance in their stories, captivating audiences and making the narrative relatable. In this blog post, we'll explore the types of character arcs as well as the elements that make them truly memorable so that you can better use this craft tool when writing your characters and plot.
The Importance of Character Arcs:
Character arcs are vital for several reasons:
Emotional Engagement: A well-crafted character arc allows readers to emotionally invest in the story. Witnessing a character's struggles and triumphs creates a powerful connection, evoking empathy and driving reader engagement.
Realism and Authenticity: People in real life undergo personal growth and face challenges. When character's mirror this reality through their arc, it makes them more relatable and believable. By witnessing a character's transformation, the audience can draw parallels to their own lives, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Conflict and Resolution: Character arcs often revolve around conflicts that characters must overcome. These obstacles drive the narrative forward, heightening tension and suspense. The resolution of these conflicts within the character arc provides a satisfying payoff for the audience. This is also how your character arc and plot are so intrinsically linked. Remember, you cannot have one without the other, and they must influence each other.
Types of Character Arcs
There are three types of Character Arcs:
Positive Change Arc: With this arc, the protagonist starts as a flawed or vulnerable individual and undergoes personal growth, becoming a better version of themselves by the end. This is the most common type of arc and often includes overcoming weaknesses, learning important life lessons, and embracing new perspectives.
Negative Change Arc: In contrast to the positive change arc, this type involves the protagonist descending into darkness or adopting destructive behaviours. The character's transformation leads to negative consequences, often resulting in their downfall (think Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader).
Flat Arc: Some characters remain steadfast in their beliefs and values throughout the story. Instead of changing themselves, they influence and change the world around them. These characters act as moral compasses, inspiring others and driving the narrative forward.
Elements of a Memorable Character Arc
So what makes a character's journey of growth memorable?
Clear Goals and Motivations: Characters should have specific, well-defined goals that drive their actions and decisions. These goals provide a sense of purpose and direction, guiding the character throughout their arc. Read our blog post from last week Breathing Life into Your Characters: Tips for Effective Character Development to discover more on this.
Internal and External Conflict: Character arcs thrive on conflict. Internal struggles, such as doubts, fears, or past traumas, should intertwine with external obstacles to create a multi-layered journey. These conflicts push the character out of their comfort zone and prompt growth. They also propell the story along and ensure that your character arc is always influencing the external plot.
Consistency and Development: Remember, while your characters evolve, it's also essential to maintain consistency in their core traits and beliefs. Growth should be gradual and authentic, allowing the audience to witness the character's development naturally.
And remember... Plot and character arcs are inseparable elements of storytelling. The plot provides the framework, driving the sequence of events and conflicts that propel the story forward, but these conflicts are rooted in internal and external struggles of the character. As the plot unfolds, it presents challenges and obstacles that force characters to face their fears, and make choices that affect their arc. Conversely, the characters' growth and development will shape the plot, influencing the choices they make and the actions they take. You cannot have one without the other, so when you set to crafting your character's arc, make sure that it is with the plot in mind.
In conclusion, your character's arc is the lifeblood of your story, allowing your readers to embark on a journey alongside the character they love. Through well-crafted arcs, characters learn, grow and overcome obstacles, and, in turn, the reader experiences the same, meaning the story leaves a lasting impact on them.
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