Crafting Compelling Character Arcs: The Heart of Fiction Writing

When you read a book, do you want the characters to change, grow, learn new things? Or do you expect them to remain the same?

The same is true if you write a book. Do your characters change or stay the same – flat and static?

How much do you think about your character’s arc when writing a story? I didn’t even know it was a thing until someone pointed it out and drew an arching curve.

What is a character arc?

“… a character arc is the change your character goes through in your story. Who they are at the beginning of your narrative versus who they are at the end. It is an internal change that occurs over the course of the story,” according to Dabble. (emphasis mine)

Character arcs involve internal change. And this is what keeps us reading!

Character arcs make our stories pop! They’re the secret sauce that turns a bland, colorless tale into a rollercoaster ride of emotions. They turn our characters from cardboard cutouts into real, relatable characters that readers can’t get enough of.

Our characters MUST have flaws. And they must be relatable.

Now that we know what a character arc is, let’s explore how to use them.

Different types of Character Arcs:

1. Positive:
   • Think classic hero – starting from zero, facing challenges, growing, and coming out on top. The character goes from a false worldview (their flaw/lie), and then they come to the truth: Han Solo; Scrooge; Percy Jackson; the Grinch.
2. Negative:
   • The character descends into a flawed view, which leads them down a path of doom, despite their good intentions (the flip of what the positive goes through): Darth Vader, Javert (in Les Mis).
3. Flat:
   • Our main character(s) need to change, but often the side characters have a flat character arc. They’re one-dimensional. Their change, if it occurs, is minimal.

How to Write Compelling Character Arcs:

1. Set the Scene:
   • Drop your characters into their everyday world so readers have a baseline for who they are.
2. Goals and Motivations:
   • Spell out what makes your characters tick – their goals and what gets them out of bed in the morning.
3. Stir in Some Conflict:
   • Spice things up with challenges that push your characters out of their cozy zones, making them grow and learn.
4. Show Off That Progress:
   • Let readers see the evolution – mindset, skills, and relationships – as your characters tackle challenges head-on.
5. Big Moment:
   • Build up to that epic moment where your character faces a game-changing choice or has a mind-blowing realization.
6. Tie It Up:
   • Wrap things up with a resolution that shows how far your character has come, dropping some life lessons along the way.

Yes! Give me life lessons. I love that!!

Why Character Arcs Matter:

1. Keep readers hooked:
   • Character arcs forge emotional bonds with readers, making your story unforgettable.
2. Theme Party:
   • Use character arcs to sneak in themes and messages, adding layers of meaning to your tale.
3. Real Talk:
   • Authentic character arcs mirror real-life experiences, making your story feel legit and relatable.

Conclusion:

So, my fellow writers, character arcs are like the glitter that turns your tale into a sparkling masterpiece. Master the art, and your stories will linger in readers’ hearts long after they’ve closed the book. Now go, weave those character arcs, and let your stories shine! 🌟

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery – Birds Alive! – releases Feb. 27, 2024/available for preorder NOW!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)