1.5 Character arcs

Character arcs are the internal journeys characters undergo throughout a story. They shape character development and impact the overall narrative. There are three main types: positive change arcs, negative change arcs, and flat character arcs.

Key elements of character arcs include the inciting incident, rising action, climax, and resolution. Crafting compelling arcs involves establishing a starting point, defining goals, creating obstacles, mapping emotional journeys, and tying arcs to themes.

Types of character arcs

• Character arcs are the internal transformations or journeys that characters undergo throughout a story
• The type of arc a character experiences shapes their development and impacts the overall narrative

Positive change arcs

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• Involve a character evolving, growing, or improving over the course of the story
• Often seen in protagonists who overcome flaws, learn valuable lessons, or become better versions of themselves
• Example: A selfish character learning the importance of empathy and self-sacrifice (Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol")

Negative change arcs

• Depict a character's descent, moral decline, or deterioration throughout the narrative
• Can showcase the consequences of a character's poor choices, external influences, or tragic circumstances
• Example: A once-idealistic character becoming disillusioned and corrupt (Michael Corleone in "The Godfather")

Flat character arcs

• Feature characters who remain relatively unchanged throughout the story
• While the character's core beliefs and traits remain consistent, they often inspire change in others or the world around them
• Example: A steadfast mentor figure guiding the protagonist's journey (Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings")

Elements of character arcs

Inciting incident

• The event or catalyst that sets the character's arc in motion
• Often disrupts the character's status quo and forces them to confront a new reality or challenge
• Example: A character receiving a life-changing diagnosis or opportunity (Elle Woods getting dumped in "Legally Blonde")

Rising action

• The series of obstacles, conflicts, and experiences that shape the character's development
• Challenges the character's beliefs, pushes them out of their comfort zone, and prompts growth or change
• Example: A character navigating new responsibilities or facing increasing opposition (Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games")

Climax

• The pivotal moment or turning point in the character's arc
• Often involves a significant decision, revelation, or confrontation that determines the arc's outcome
• Example: A character making a critical choice or sacrifice (Rick Blaine deciding to help Ilsa in "Casablanca")

Resolution

• The aftermath of the climax, showcasing the character's new state or perspective
• Demonstrates the consequences of the character's arc and how they have changed (or not) as a result
• Example: A character embracing their newfound purpose or accepting the consequences of their actions (Andy Dufresne's freedom in "The Shawshank Redemption")

Crafting compelling arcs

Establishing starting point

• Defining the character's initial state, beliefs, flaws, and motivations
• Sets the foundation for the character's journey and provides a clear point of reference for their development
• Example: Establishing a character's fear of commitment or lack of self-confidence (Bridget Jones in "Bridget Jones's Diary")

Defining character goals

• Identifying what the character wants to achieve or overcome throughout their arc
• Provides direction and purpose to the character's journey and helps drive the narrative forward
• Example: A character seeking redemption for past mistakes or pursuing a long-held dream (Natalie Portman in "Black Swan")

Creating obstacles & challenges

• Designing conflicts, setbacks, and difficulties that test the character's resolve and prompt growth
• Challenges can be external (antagonists, societal pressures) or internal (personal doubts, moral dilemmas)
• Example: A character facing discrimination or prejudice while pursuing their goals (Katherine Johnson in "Hidden Figures")

Mapping emotional journey

• Charting the character's emotional highs, lows, and turning points throughout their arc
• Ensures the character's development feels authentic, relatable, and emotionally resonant for the audience
• Example: A character grappling with grief, anger, and acceptance after a loss (Charlie Kelmeckis in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower")

Tying arc to theme

• Connecting the character's personal journey to the story's central themes or messages
• Allows the character's arc to serve as a vehicle for exploring broader ideas and universal truths
• Example: A character's struggle with identity and belonging mirroring the film's themes of acceptance and diversity (Chiron in "Moonlight")

Character arc examples

Hero's journey arc

• A classic arc structure involving a hero who ventures from the ordinary world into a extraordinary realm, faces trials, and returns transformed
• Often features stages such as the call to adventure, crossing the threshold, tests and allies, ordeal, and return with an elixir
• Example: Luke Skywalker's journey from farm boy to Jedi Knight in "Star Wars"

Redemption arc

• Follows a character seeking to atone for past misdeeds or failures
• Involves the character confronting the consequences of their actions and working towards forgiveness or redemption
• Example: Jean Valjean's transformation from ex-convict to compassionate benefactor in "Les Misérables"

Corruption arc

• Depicts a character's gradual moral decline or descent into darkness
• Often explores the seductive nature of power, greed, or other vices and the character's inability to resist temptation
• Example: Walter White's transformation from meek chemistry teacher to ruthless drug lord in "Breaking Bad"

Tragedy arc

• Showcases a character's downfall, often due to a fatal flaw or external circumstances
• Emphasizes the character's struggle against their destiny and the inevitability of their demise
• Example: Hamlet's descent into madness and ultimate destruction in Shakespeare's "Hamlet"

Integrating arcs in plot

Mirroring plot structure

• Aligning the character's arc with the story's narrative structure (setup, confrontation, resolution)
• Ensures the character's development unfolds in tandem with the plot's progression
• Example: A character's personal growth coinciding with the rising action and climax of the story (Erin Brockovich in "Erin Brockovich")

Pacing arc development

• Balancing the character's arc with the overall pacing of the story
• Avoiding rushed or dragged out character development that feels disconnected from the narrative momentum
• Example: Gradually revealing a character's backstory or inner conflict throughout the story (Leonard Shelby in "Memento")

Interweaving multiple arcs

• Managing and integrating the arcs of multiple characters within a single story
• Ensuring each character's journey is distinct yet interconnected, contributing to the overall narrative tapestry
• Example: The intersecting arcs of an ensemble cast, each with their own growth and challenges (The Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Arcs in character ensembles

• Balancing the development of multiple characters within a larger ensemble
• Ensuring each character has a clear and meaningful arc that contributes to the group's overall journey
• Example: The individual arcs of a group of friends or family members navigating a shared experience (The Pfefferman family in "Transparent")

Arc writing techniques

Foreshadowing transformation

• Planting subtle hints or clues that hint at a character's upcoming change or development
• Creates a sense of anticipation and makes the arc feel more organic and earned
• Example: Early scenes showcasing a character's hidden talents or untapped potential (Becca Corbett in "Pitch Perfect")

Revealing backstory gradually

• Slowly unveiling a character's past experiences, traumas, or motivations throughout the story
• Adds depth and context to the character's arc and helps the audience understand their journey
• Example: Incrementally revealing a character's troubled childhood or secret identity (Chiron in "Moonlight")

Crafting pivotal scenes

• Designing key moments or turning points that catalyze or solidify a character's transformation
• Often involve high stakes, emotional intensity, or significant revelations that push the character to change
• Example: A character confronting their deepest fear or making a life-altering decision (Cher Horowitz's realization in "Clueless")

Dialogue vs action

• Balancing how a character's arc is conveyed through their words versus their actions
• Ensuring the character's dialogue and behavior align with and reinforce their ongoing development
• Example: A character's evolving communication style or shift in problem-solving approach (Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady")

Symbolic representations of change

• Using visual metaphors, motifs, or symbols to represent a character's internal transformation
• Adds depth and subtext to the character's arc and enhances the story's thematic resonance
• Example: A character shedding a literal or figurative mask to reveal their true self (Marty Byrde in "Ozark")