2.4 Character arcs

Character arcs are the backbone of compelling storytelling in film and TV. They depict the internal and external journeys of characters throughout a narrative, creating engaging and memorable stories that resonate with audiences.

Character arcs can be positive, negative, flat, or transformational. They provide depth to characters, drive plot progression, create emotional investment, and reflect real-life human experiences. Effective arcs combine internal and external changes, balancing goals, motivations, obstacles, and conflicts.

Definition of character arcs

• Character arcs form the backbone of compelling storytelling in film and television
• Depict the internal and external journey of characters throughout a narrative
• Crucial element in creating engaging and memorable stories that resonate with audiences

Types of character arcs

Top images from around the web for Types of character arcs

• 

  Six for Sunday – Best Character Arcs – Jill's Book Blog View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Story arcs beyond TV [Thinking] View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Six for Sunday – Best Character Arcs – Jill's Book Blog View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Story arcs beyond TV [Thinking] View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Types of character arcs

• 

  Six for Sunday – Best Character Arcs – Jill's Book Blog View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Story arcs beyond TV [Thinking] View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  UJ005: Figure 2.3 | Plot points on a story arc. The User's J… | Flickr View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Six for Sunday – Best Character Arcs – Jill's Book Blog View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Story arcs beyond TV [Thinking] View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Positive arcs showcase character growth and improvement
• Negative arcs depict a character's decline or corruption
• Flat arcs maintain a character's core beliefs while changing the world around them
• Transformational arcs involve significant changes in a character's personality or worldview

Importance in storytelling

• Provide depth and complexity to characters, making them more relatable
• Drive plot progression and maintain audience engagement
• Create emotional investment in characters' journeys and outcomes
• Reflect real-life human experiences and personal growth

Components of character arcs

Internal vs external arcs

• Internal arcs focus on emotional and psychological changes within a character
• External arcs involve visible changes in a character's circumstances or relationships
• Effective storytelling often combines both internal and external arcs
• Internal arcs may include overcoming fears, changing beliefs, or developing new perspectives

Goals and motivations

• Define a character's primary objectives and desires
• Can be tangible (winning a competition) or intangible (finding self-worth)
• Evolve throughout the story as characters face challenges and grow
• Serve as the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions

Obstacles and conflicts

• Present challenges that impede a character's progress towards their goals
• Can be external (antagonists, natural disasters) or internal (self-doubt, moral dilemmas)
• Create tension and suspense in the narrative
• Force characters to adapt, grow, or face consequences

Positive character arcs

Growth and transformation

• Depict characters evolving into better versions of themselves
• Often involve characters overcoming personal weaknesses or fears
• Can showcase the development of new skills, relationships, or perspectives
• Frequently used in coming-of-age stories and hero's journeys (Harry Potter series)

Overcoming flaws

• Characters confront and work to improve their negative traits
• May involve addressing addiction, selfishness, or lack of confidence
• Often requires characters to face difficult truths about themselves
• Results in personal growth and improved relationships with others

Achieving goals

• Characters successfully accomplish their primary objectives
• May involve personal triumphs, professional achievements, or relationship milestones
• Often accompanied by a sense of fulfillment or self-realization
• Can lead to new, more ambitious goals for future stories or sequels

Negative character arcs

Decline and corruption

• Portray characters descending into morally questionable or destructive behavior
• Often driven by external pressures, trauma, or character flaws
• Can explore themes of power, greed, or revenge
• May result in the character becoming an antagonist or anti-hero (Walter White in Breaking Bad)

Tragic flaws

• Central weaknesses or defects that lead to a character's downfall
• Often rooted in excessive pride, ambition, or moral blindness
• Can be initially perceived as strengths before revealing their destructive nature
• Frequently used in classical tragedies and modern dramas (Macbeth's ambition)

Failed goals

• Characters are unable to achieve their primary objectives
• Can result from external obstacles, personal shortcomings, or changing circumstances
• May lead to disillusionment, bitterness, or a reevaluation of priorities
• Often used to explore themes of resilience, adaptability, or acceptance

Flat character arcs

Maintaining beliefs

• Characters remain steadfast in their core values and convictions
• Often face challenges that test but ultimately reinforce their beliefs
• Can be used to explore themes of integrity, loyalty, or moral strength
• Frequently seen in characters with strong ethical codes or religious faith

Changing the world

• Characters with flat arcs often catalyze change in their environment
• May inspire or influence other characters to grow and transform
• Can be used to critique societal norms or challenge established systems
• Often seen in mentor figures or revolutionary leaders in stories

Supporting roles

• Flat arc characters frequently serve as foils or catalysts for other characters' growth
• Provide stability and consistency in ensemble casts
• Can offer wisdom, support, or opposition to main characters
• Often used in comedies or procedural dramas for recurring characters

Character arc structure

Setup and status quo

• Establishes the character's initial state, beliefs, and circumstances
• Introduces the character's strengths, flaws, and primary motivations
• Sets the baseline for measuring character growth or decline
• Often depicted in the first act or opening scenes of a story

Inciting incident

• Event or decision that disrupts the character's normal life
• Presents a challenge or opportunity that forces the character to act
• Sets the main conflict of the story in motion
• Can be external (job loss, natural disaster) or internal (realization, epiphany)

Rising action and challenges

• Series of escalating obstacles and conflicts the character must face
• Tests the character's abilities, beliefs, and relationships
• Reveals the character's strengths and weaknesses
• Builds tension and raises the stakes as the story progresses

Climax and resolution

• Culmination of the character's journey and conflicts
• Represents the moment of greatest change or decision for the character
• Often involves a final test or confrontation
• Resolves the main conflict and demonstrates the character's growth or transformation

Writing effective character arcs

Character development techniques

• Use backstory to inform character motivations and behaviors
• Employ internal monologue or voiceover to reveal character thoughts
• Utilize supporting characters as mirrors or contrasts to the main character
• Create defining moments that challenge or reinforce character traits

Pacing and timing

• Balance character development with plot progression
• Introduce character changes gradually for believability
• Use turning points and pivotal scenes to mark significant shifts in character
• Ensure character growth aligns with the overall story structure

Balancing internal vs external

• Interweave internal conflicts with external plot events
• Show how external challenges impact a character's internal state
• Use action and dialogue to reveal internal changes
• Ensure that internal growth is reflected in external behaviors and decisions

Character arcs in different genres

Drama vs comedy arcs

• Drama arcs often focus on deep personal transformations or tragic downfalls
• Comedy arcs may emphasize humorous growth or situational changes
• Dramatic arcs tend to have higher stakes and more serious consequences
• Comic arcs can use exaggeration and irony to highlight character flaws and growth

Action and thriller arcs

• Often emphasize external challenges and physical transformations
• May focus on skill development or overcoming fears
• Can explore themes of justice, revenge, or moral compromise
• Frequently combine personal growth with high-stakes plot developments

Romance and coming-of-age arcs

• Focus on emotional growth and self-discovery
• Often involve overcoming personal insecurities or past traumas
• Explore themes of love, identity, and maturation
• Frequently depict characters learning to form healthy relationships or find their place in the world

Multiple character arcs

Protagonist vs antagonist arcs

• Contrast the growth or decline of the main character against their primary opponent
• Can create parallel or inverse arcs that intersect at key points
• May explore similar themes from different perspectives
• Often result in a final confrontation that tests both characters' development

Ensemble cast arcs

• Manage multiple interconnected character journeys
• Balance screen time and development across various characters
• Use supporting characters to complement or contrast main character arcs
• Create overarching themes that tie individual arcs together

Subplots and supporting arcs

• Develop secondary characters to add depth to the overall narrative
• Use minor arcs to reinforce or challenge the main character's journey
• Create B-plots that explore different aspects of the story's themes
• Ensure supporting arcs contribute to the main plot without overshadowing it

Character arcs in series vs films

Long-form storytelling arcs

• Allow for more gradual and complex character development
• Can explore multiple facets of a character over an extended period
• Provide opportunities for characters to evolve and regress multiple times
• Often involve overarching series arcs combined with episodic developments

Episode arcs vs season arcs

• Episode arcs focus on immediate character challenges or growth
• Season arcs track longer-term character development and major transformations
• Combine episodic conflicts with ongoing character journeys
• Use season finales to culminate major character arcs or set up new developments

Film trilogy arcs

• Structure character development across three interconnected stories
• Often follow a larger hero's journey or coming-of-age arc
• Use each film to explore different aspects of the character's growth
• Culminate in a final installment that resolves the character's overall journey

Analyzing character arcs

Case studies from popular media

• Examine well-known characters to identify their arc types and structures
• Analyze how character arcs contribute to the overall success of a story
• Compare and contrast character arcs across different media and genres
• Explore how cultural context influences character arc reception and interpretation

Identifying arc types

• Recognize patterns and common elements in character development
• Classify arcs as positive, negative, or flat based on character outcomes
• Identify hybrid arcs that combine elements of multiple arc types
• Analyze how arc types relate to genre conventions and audience expectations

Critiquing arc effectiveness

• Evaluate the believability and consistency of character growth
• Assess how well character arcs support the overall themes and message of the story
• Examine the balance between internal and external character development
• Consider how character arcs contribute to audience engagement and emotional impact