I’m always on the lookout for a good character arc while reading. I like to see a character change and grow in response to what they’re going through. But what is a character arc, and how do you write one into your story?
What is a character arc?
When we’re talking about character arc we’re talking about the change a character goes through over the course of a story. It’s not about a change in circumstances so much as the internal change. You might have also seen it referred to as character growth or character development.
For me, a good character arc is also about gradual or logical change. I think the most compelling character arcs are the ones that make sense within the context of the narrative. Not only can you see a character growing or changing, you can also see and understand why.
We’ll look at just how to do this in a bit, but first I think it makes sense to look at some different types and examples of character arcs.
Types of character arc
Transformation
This type of arc involves a character transforming into something different, often something more, than who or what they were at the story’s beginning. Superhero stories tend to fall under this category, unsurprisingly, and it tends to be more common in science fiction or fantasy. These kinds of arcs often involve mastering new abilities and accepting some great responsibility as a result of the power the transformation brings.
For example… Neo in The Matrix, accepting his role as ‘The One’ and mastering the power that brought him.
Positive change
Also called a growth arc, this involves a character becoming somehow better. This might mean a selfish or grumpy character becoming more giving or kind. It might mean a meek character becoming more determined and confident. This is probably the most common kind of character arc, and it can be incredibly satisfying when done well.
For example… Lizzie Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, learning to be less judgmental.
Negative change
This is sometimes called a fall arc. In these character arcs you see somebody become a worse person over the course of a narrative. This might be out of necessity, or it might be due to the corruptive influence of something like greed or power.
For example… Walter White in Breaking Bad, who starts off with good intentions but ends up being at least as vicious as his worst opponents.
Flat character arcs
Not all characters change, of course! In some genres, such as spy thriller, crime, or mystery, it’s common for the main character to be basically the same at the start and end of the story.
For example… Sherlock Holmes doesn’t have much of a character arc in most of his stories. The focus is on the mystery, and character development is set aside to make more room for that.
How do you write a character arc?
Now that we have some different character arcs to work towards, how do you go about actually writing one?
1. Start with what your character wants
Having a good handle on your character’s motivation makes life a lot easier when it comes to writing a strong character arc. Look at what’s driving your character at the beginning of the story. What do they want? Is what they want the same as what they need?
2. Decide on your end point
I think the whole process of writing a character arc is a lot easier if you already know where you want them to end up. So, pick one of those arc types and choose your character’s destination. Are they going to get what they want? If yes, is that actually good for them?
3. Consider the obstacles in your character’s way
What’s stopping them from getting what they want? Are they aware of this? Do they actually know what’s standing in their way, or do they have an inaccurate idea of what they need to do or change to achieve their goals?
The answers to these questions give you the fundamental ingredients for the change your character will go through. If they know what they need to do to get what they want, it might be a change they set out to achieve for themselves. Think of stories where the protagonist knows they need to work harder to get a particular opportunity, or where they think they need to look or act a certain way to win over somebody they have feelings for. Alternatively, it might be that what you’re looking at is a situation where change will be forced upon your character. In transformation arcs characters often think they’re heading in one direction, only for the emergence of their particular abilities to set them on an entirely new path, forcing them to adapt.
4. Identify your key turning point
What’s the moment of decision, or the point of no return, in your character’s development? While change should absolutely be gradual, having a turning point like this in the story is useful for demonstrating to your readers (or to your character!) just how far they’ve come from who they were at the start.
Figuring out what or where you want this to be also helps you to build the rest of the character development around it.
5. Plan your character arc so that the growth feels natural
You don’t want readers to feel like the character development has happened all at once. In most cases, anyway. To help with this, it’s a good idea to pick a few key moments to illustrate the change as its happening. You also want to make sure that you’re showing, not telling, your readers that your character is changing. It’s easy to pepper in a few narrative comments that ‘Amy is getting kinder with every passing day’ – but that’s not a particularly engaging or immersive way to convey that.
Figure out exactly what characteristics are changing in your character. Then brainstorm circumstances that would let you judge this characteristic from the outside. For example, let’s say your character is undergoing a growth arc, becoming more sure of themselves at work. There are a lot of ways you can judge how confident somebody is in their own work abilities.
Do they step forward to suggest ideas in team meetings? Correct other people if they realise somebody’s said something incorrect? Offer to help other people develop their own skills? Volunteer for new projects or responsibilities? Think about how they might talk about their work to other people, whether they are happy and excited about their work or feel stressed and concerned when discussing it.
Once you have a list, look at where some of those moments can fit organically into your story, then use them to show a progression in the characteristic your character is growing in.
Also, remember that character growth doesn’t have to be linear! People in real life don’t tend to make identical, measured steps forwards towards their goals every day. They don’t become 5% more generous each day until they’ve reached peak selflessness. They have good days and bad days. Their progress fluctuates depending on who they’re with or how they’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to include that in your writing as well.
How do you go about writing character arcs?
What are your top tips for writing character development? Let me know if I’ve missed anything in the comments!
You may also like:
What an elaborate mystery: the art of arcs. I never thought of Sherlock Holmes not having an arc. This all seems very difficult because it would seem to require knowing the geometry of empathy, the angles to a stranger’s psychology and the dilemma of lemmas on justice, on lemons, on sweet and sour revenge, on love triangles, and on sqaure pegs and Pegs. I wonder if Sherlock Holmes ever had a clue about how people feel, although he did notice the dog that didn’t bark. I don’t think I’ve known enough characters who reveal themselves to me… I think I’m clueless.