Show me a character without an arc, and I’ll show you a story with no heart. Whether we’re talking books or movies, the best stories incorporate journeys, transformations, and the growth or decay of our favorite heroes (and villains). Today, we’ll master creating believable character arcs in fiction. By the time we’re finished, you’ll possess all the tools for breathing life into your characters.
What Is a Character Arc?
Let’s establish a foundation. Vegetables before dessert, right?
How does a character arc work? In practice, it encapsulates the transformation or inner journey of a character. Whether friend or foe, these characters evolve, grow, regress, and change their belief systems. Think Luke’s inner journey after Darth Vader tells Luke he’s his father.
Often, these personal journeys play out against the backdrop of a larger story arc. This is how we drive reader engagement and move the plot forward.
Why Character Arcs are Crucial to Storytelling
What if we wrote stories in which the protagonist never changed despite the cataclysmic events surrounding her? Weird, right? Sure, it shows a lack of depth.
Arcs take shape as we force our heroes and villains to react to their surroundings. These changes provide our readers with emotional anchors, allowing them to empathize with the characters, especially when we place the reader in the character’s shoes. If we make our stories resonate on a human level, they become more memorable and impactful.
Types of Character Arcs
But what are the different types of arcs, and how can we use them to paint our characters in vibrant (or dark) tones?
Let’s examine the categories.
Positive Arcs (Growth)
As readers, we love to watch characters confront flaws, overcome challenges, and gain wisdom throughout their journeys.
Positive arcs are known for staying with the reader long after they finish our books. Themes of hope, perseverance, self-realization, and redemption are common.
Within the positive growth arc lies three subcategories, if you will. Let’s examine these arcs and provide examples from popular literature and film.
The Change Arc
Here we find the most common positive growth arc. The character starts their journey with obvious flaws. As the story progresses, events challenge these flaws, and the character must change to achieve their goal (or survive).
Clarice Starling from Thomas Harris’s Silence of the Lambs is a great example of the Change Arc.
When the story opens, we meet Clarice, an ambitious FBI trainee, who is eager to carve out her place in the male-dominated FBI.
Childhood trauma drives her beliefs and desires. While she hunts for the serial killer Buffalo Bill, she relies on the cannibalistic psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter. In a twist of fate, Lecter forces her to confront her fears and insecurities.
The cannibal becomes both a mentor and a mirror for Clarice. Without his prodding, she would never confront her past.
Just as Clarice ventures into her nightmarish memories, she must throw herself into the physical dark when she captures Buffalo Bill in the unlit basement.
Clarice solidifies her place with the FBI elite after confronting her demons,. This is a profound character transformation.
The Growth Arc
Not all arcs require our character to change her belief system. When utilizing the Growth Arc, we construct characters who strengthen their beliefs while overcoming enemies and challenges.
Detective Will Graham in Thomas Harris’s Red Dragon holds an unwavering belief in his duty to protect innocent lives, even at great personal cost. In a decision which upsets his protective wife, he leaves retirement to chase a new serial killer. On his journey, he suffers from the psychological scars caused by Hannibal Lecter.
This is where Graham must strengthen his resolve if he hopes to solve the case. Lecter acts as an informant and foil, testing Graham’s convictions.
At the climax, Graham saves his family by surviving an attack by the killer. He emerges from the darkness more aware of the sacrifices he’s willing to make for justice.
The Transformation Arc
Then there is the Transformation Arc. Here we encounter the most profound metamorphoses. These arcs touch on self-discovery and self-realization. Growth and change are not enough. The character must become a new entity.
Dexter Morgan in Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series begins as a forensic blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, but he has a secret dark side.
Much like Logan Wolf in the Scarlett Bell thriller books, Dexter is a killer of killers. But where does his morality lie?
Dexter’s adopted (now deceased) father imparted a strict code to him. The code informs his morality, at least at the onset. But as Dexter encounters and disposes of the most vile killers, he experiences tragedy and must evolve. This leads to a chilling transformation as he gains a deeper understanding of his humanity.
You wouldn’t expect serial killer fiction to include such a profound exploration of humanity’s duality. But therein lies the brilliance of Jeff Lindsay.
All positive growth arcs reflect our innate desires for self-improvement and evolution. They resonate with us because they mirror our own journeys. Change, growth, and transformation are always within us. It takes courage to complete our journeys.
Negative Arcs (Decay or Corruption)
Now for the downside.
While tales of hope uplift and inspire, there’s something gripping about a narrative that takes the road less traveled. Straight into darkness.
These stories skip the happy ending and send the journey through a forest of perpetual night.
A character’s descent can disturb and fascinate a reader. In these arcs, readers look into a mirror that displays their own faults. Unchecked desires, the intoxication of power, or the slow poison of flaws left to fester.
The Fall Arc
In this journey, a character starts in a relatively high or virtuous position but descends into vice, evil, or madness. This decline could be due to intrinsic flaws, lust, greed, or external influences. Hey, Mom always said you are the sum of the company you keep. The story culminates in the character’s downfall or death.
Macbeth’s story arc is a chilling descent into paranoia, murder, and madness. His initial valor as a soldier decays into tyranny. This tragedy serves as a warning about unchecked ambition and moral compromise.
The Disintegration Arc
If the Fall Arc describes a tragic fall from grace, the Disintegration Arc is its evil twin. In this negative arc, we witness the gradual unraveling of a character’s psyche. And it can become gut wrenching. Not every character begins in a powerful position, but they all meet with terrible fates.
Raskolnikov in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment might be the most infamous example of this arc. After committing a crime, Raskolnikov wallows in guilt, paranoia, and existential dread. Internal turmoil pushes him towards a psychological breaking point. The story reflects on the toll of moral transgressions.
The Corruption Arc
Power corrupts, and absolute power . . . well, you know the rest.
Here, a character with good intentions becomes seduced by a darker path. Sometimes it’s the desire of power, wealth, or some other temptation. The character’s ideals erode, and they embrace actions or beliefs they once opposed.
Think Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels. Anakin is a promising Jedi who only wants to protect his loved ones. Until he crosses paths with the Emperor Palpatine, who seduces him with promises of greater power. He transforms into Darth Vader, the galaxy’s most feared enemy. Anakin’s arc reflects on the seductive nature of power and how easy it is to stray from the path of righteousness.
These negative arcs highlight the imperfections of human nature. Through the characters’ journeys, readers must reflect on their own choices, vulnerabilities, and the ever-present angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other.
Static Arcs
But what about character journeys which don’t result in transformative change? Some stories revolve around characters who remain steadfast and unyielding in their beliefs despite external pressures to change. Static arcs celebrate the strength of convictions, resilience, and the depth that comes from exploring a character’s unwavering nature in the face of adversity.
The Pillar Arc
This arc highlights characters who act as ethical pillars. They might experience personal growth or minor shifts in perspective, but their foundational beliefs never waver. These characters serve as anchors or guiding lights in narratives filled with change and chaos.
Take Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Amid the deep-seated racial prejudices of his community, Atticus is a beacon of integrity, morality, and justice. Despite threats, societal scorn, and personal challenges, his belief in doing what’s right remains unwavering.
The Enduring Arc
Characters in this arc face relentless challenges, temptations, or tests of their values. Their journey is about endurance — how they hold on to their beliefs despite everything thrown their way. These arcs touch upon resilience, human spirit, and convictions.
Samwise Gamgee in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings embodies this arc. While many characters in the series undergo profound changes, Sam remains constant in his loyalty, courage, and belief in the power of good deeds. Even when faced with the corrupting influence of the One Ring, Sam’s inherent goodness remains untarnished.
The Reflection Arc
In the Reflection Arc, the character’s static nature contrasts with a changing world. Their unchanging beliefs reflect on the transformations, growth, or decay of others in the narrative.
Dr. Manhattan in Alan Moore’s Watchmen is a solid example of a static Reflection Arc. As a near-omnipotent being, Dr. Manhattan perceives time differently and detaches himself from human concerns. While the world around him spirals into chaos and his fellow superheroes grapple with moral dilemmas, he remains philosophically consistent.
While fiction often celebrates transformation and growth, these arcs remind us of the strength in steadfastness and the courage it takes to hold onto one’s values.
Best Character Arcs in Fiction
Think of Elizabeth Bennet’s evolution in Pride and Prejudice or Walter White’s chilling descent in Breaking Bad. These characters captivate us because their journeys resonate, teaching us about love, pride, ambition, and the peril of unchecked power. By studying these iconic arcs, writers can glean insights into the art of character transformation.
The Art of Creating Character Arcs
Designing a believable character arc requires foresight. Know where the character starts, where they’ll end, and plot the milestones along their journey. This roadmap is vital. You want an organic arc and a believable transformation.
Elements of a Powerful Character Arc
The heartbeats of any character arc are these key elements:
- Desire: It’s the driving force that pushes characters towards their destiny.
- Conflict: The challenges, both internal and external, that stand in their way.
- Transformation: The culmination of their journey, whether it’s an epiphany or a tragic fall.
- Resolution: The aftermath, the new normal, showing the lasting impact of their arc.
Crafting a Believable Transformation
Realism in fiction requires balance. Changes, especially profound ones, must feel earned. They shouldn’t be too abrupt, yet they must be noticeable. Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences, understanding human psychology, and studying classic literature will help you strike the right balance.
Character Arcs vs. Story Arcs
Two arcs stand alone: the character arc and the story arc.
Understanding the nuanced differences between these two arcs and their symbiotic relationship is crucial for any writer craving deeper storytelling. Let’s explore these arcs in detail.
- Character Arc: The internal journey of a character. This arc revolves around emotional growth, shifting beliefs, and personal challenges. As we’ve already explored, this can manifest as growth, decay, or steadfastness.
Example: Arya Stark in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Arya’s character arc is profound. From a rebellious noble girl, she evolves into a hardened assassin, driven by vengeance and a sense of justice. Her internal struggles and transformations are central to her narrative.
- Story Arc: The broader narrative structure of the tale, focusing on external events, conflicts, and resolutions. Think of it as the skeleton of the plot, upon which the muscle and sinew of character arcs are layered.
Example: The overarching plot of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series revolves around the rise and defeat of Voldemort. This series-spanning conflict, with its various subplots like the discovery of Horcruxes or the battles at Hogwarts, comprises the story arc.
The Symbiotic Relationship
Storytelling requires a balance between character and story arcs. A compelling story arc introduces challenges. Such scenarios force the character to evolve, regress, or stay firm in their convictions. Conversely, the decisions and transformations of characters can introduce plot twists, drive the story forward, or bring about its resolution.
For example, in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Frodo’s character arc of bearing the burden of the One Ring and the temptations it brings is intricately linked to the broader story arc of the quest to destroy the Ring. Frodo’s internal struggles, especially towards the end at Mount Doom, influence the outcome of the larger narrative.
The Importance of Cohesion
Want your story to resonate? Strive for harmony between the characters and story arcs. If a character’s internal journey feels disjointed from the overarching plot, or if a story arc doesn’t provide enough challenges for meaningful character development, the narrative will falter.
Challenges in Crafting Character Arcs
Constructing a believable character arc is like walking a tightrope; even the most skilled storytellers can tumble. In this section, we offer tips for writers to craft genuine, engaging arcs.
One-Dimensional Characters
Often, in the rush to establish a clear arc, writers create characters who lack depth. They function as bumbling archetypes with predictable behaviors and reactions.
Tip: Give your characters quirks, hobbies, backgrounds, and conflicts that make them feel more human. Multifaceted characters draw readers into their worlds.
For example, Bella Swan from Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight is often criticized for lacking depth beyond her romantic entanglement. Diversifying her interests, emotions, and responses would have added layers to her character.
A character’s growth or regression must feel organic. Inconsistent behaviors or sudden, unexplained shifts will jar readers and make the arc feel forced.
In some narratives, characters suddenly gain skills or wisdom without adequate buildup. This overnight transformation feels inauthentic and breaks immersion.
Overemphasis on External Change
External events help shape a character’s arc, but over-relying on them can overshadow internal growth and make the journey feel shallow.
Tropes and Predictability
Tropes are useful tools. When overused, they lead to predictable, unoriginal arcs. Challenge the norms. Blend tropes in innovative ways to keep readers engaged and surprised.
For example, the Chosen One trope. Think Lord of the Rings. What if the chosen one rejects the destiny, or there are multiple chosen individuals, adding an unexpected twist to the narrative?
Neglecting Secondary Characters
Focusing too much on the protagonist’s arc will leave secondary characters underdeveloped. This is a common mistake that leads to a flat world. Every character is the protagonist of their own story. Their growth or decay can complement or contrast with the main arc, and add richness to the narrative.
Last Words on Arcs
Character arcs are the heartbeat of a story. With every rise and fall, these arcs mirror human existence. Through them, we see characters grapple with dilemmas, triumph over adversities, and falter.
Want to master the craft? Tap into the ancient tradition of storytelling, where tales weren’t just meant to entertain but impart wisdom, evoke emotions, and instigate introspection.
Remember this the next time you put pen to page.