Understanding character arcs

You might ask: "What's a character arc?" Well, if you've ever read a book, watched a movie, or binged a TV series, you've probably experienced one – even if you didn't realise it at the time.

What is a character arc?

In the simplest terms, a character arc is a character's transformation or inner journey over the course of a story. It's how your shy heroine becomes a confident leader, how your selfish anti-hero learns the value of sacrifice, or even how your villain descends further into their dark obsession.

But don't let the word 'arc' fool you – character development isn't always a smooth curve. Sometimes it's more like a zigzag, a loop-de-loop, or a freefall off a narrative cliff. That's what makes it so exciting!

Types of character arcs

There are four types of character arcs: the change arc, the growth arc, the fall arc, and the flat arc.

In the change arc, the character transforms significantly, usually overcoming a flaw or fear. In the growth arc, the character evolves but retains their core identity. In the fall arc, the character spirals downward, often due to their flaws or failures. In the flat arc, the character remains fundamentally the same, but influences change in others and the world around them.

Each type of arc has its own unique elements and challenges, which we'll explore in depth in our article on '4 types of character arcs'.

The Hero's Journey

One of the most famous character arcs is Joseph Campbell's Monomyth, better known as 'The Hero's Journey'. This universal narrative template involves stages such as the Call to Adventure, the Refusal of the Call, Crossing the Threshold, and Return with the Elixir. You can learn more about it in our article on 'Joseph Campbell's Monomyth (The Hero's Journey)'.

While the Hero's Journey has become a staple of storytelling, it's not a one-size-fits-all model. There are countless ways to tweak, twist, and tailor it to add complexity and diversity to your character's journey, which we'll discuss in our article on '10 ways to add complexity and diversity to The Hero's Journey'.

The 3 phases of every character arc

Regardless of the specific arc, most character journeys can be broken down into three phases: setup, confrontation, and resolution.

In the setup, we're introduced to the character, their world, and their initial state or problem. In the confrontation, the character faces the main conflict, which challenges their beliefs or abilities. In the resolution, the character resolves the conflict, culminating in their final change or transformation.

We'll take a closer look at these three phases in our article on 'The 3 phases of every character arc'.

Balancing different types of character arcs

Writing a story with one character arc is a feat in itself, but what if your story has multiple main characters, each with their own arc? That's where the fun (and the headache) really begins!

Balancing different types of character arcs can be a tricky business. It's like conducting a symphony – each instrument (or character) must play their part without drowning out the others. Yet when done well, it can create a rich, layered narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

The adventure awaits

Writing character arcs isn't just about crafting engaging stories – it's about exploring the complexity and diversity of the human experience. So whether you're writing about a hero's epic quest, a villain's tragic fall, or an ordinary person's everyday struggles, remember: every character arc is a journey, not just for your characters, but for you as a writer.