Character Arcs

A Deep Dive into Character Development

About this Article

Creating meaningful character arcs is a crucial component of any story. Character arcs provide depth and complexity to your characters and plot, making them dynamic and interesting. In this article, I’ll discuss the unique characters and character arcs, and how to make them powerful and engaging. I’ll provide examples and look at the anatomy of a character arc to help you write arcs that move your readers.

What Are the Character Types?

Let’s explore seven character types and learn how you can mold them to create powerful character arcs. I’ll discuss how you can use each type can create a captivating story. By guiding your readers through a character’s changes as the story progresses, they will bond with them, hate them, feel empathy for them. The emotional bond will allow your readers to remain engaged with the story.

one | The Protagonist

The protagonist is the central character in any story and is the one who drives the plot forward. They are often the primary focus of the narrative and are the character that writers expect the audience to root for and identify with. A protagonist can come in many forms, from a hero to an anti-hero, and even a villain. 

No matter what type of protagonist your story contains, create their personal arc in a powerful, engaging way in order to establish a compelling narrative. It's essential that you spend the time building their arc and understanding their motivations, so that the reader will sympathize with and relate to them.

Some of the various protagonists include the hero, the anti-hero, the reluctant hero, and the villainous protagonist. Each of these characters has varying levels of emotional depth, and it is up to you to find the right balance between the hero and the villain that will keep your readers invested in the story.

The protagonist should have a clear and relatable goal and an engaging story. Once you have established their goal, you can use the various plot points and twists to challenge them and bring out the best (or worst) in them.

No matter what kind of protagonist you choose to create, it is essential that you spend the time and effort crafting a powerful, relatable character arc that will keep the readers engaged.

two | The Antagonist

The antagonist is essentially the character that stands in the protagonist's way. The antagonist should have the same amount of depth as the protagonist and have their own underlying motivations. A well-crafted antagonist makes the protagonist’s journey more memorable and provides an additional layer of complexity to the story.

The antagonist can take on many forms. They can be an individual, organization, natural disaster, or even an inner struggle. Whoever or whatever the antagonist is, they should be an equal match for the protagonist. It’s not enough for the antagonist to just be a villain. Their actions should be driven by a genuine passion or goal that readers can connect with. For example, if the antagonist is a rival company, they should have a rational reason for going against the protagonist’s company.

It’s important to note that the antagonist’s personality should remain consistent throughout the story. They should remain true to their goals and motivations, even when they make mistakes. This will make them more believable and create tension between the protagonist and antagonist. Finally, you should never paint your antagonist as a one-dimensional villain. They should have a depth of character and a complex history that allows readers to understand their actions. The antagonist should be an equal match for the protagonist, while having their own motivations and backstory. 

three | The Deuteragonist

A deuteragonist is one of the main characters of a story, but not the protagonist. They support and help to drive the main character's story forward, and are often integral to the main character’s story arc. Unlike the protagonist, deuteragonists do not have their own distinct story arc or development. However, they have their own unique character traits and motivations, which can deepen the protagonist’s story. 

A deuteragonist can be a trusted friend, family member, mentor, or rival of the protagonist, depending on the type of story. They can be a source of advice and courage, as well as an opponent of the protagonist. In some stories, the deuteragonist is a character who is more experienced and knowledgeable than the protagonist, providing guidance to the protagonist throughout their journey. In other stories, the deuteragonist is the protagonist’s ‘shadow’, having a kind of antagonistic role. Regardless of the role the deuteragonist plays in the story, their presence can be powerful and meaningful to the protagonist’s journey. 

An effective deuteragonist should have a strong connection to the protagonist’s story, and their motivations should reflect the needs and goals of the protagonist. They should be interesting in their own right, and should be able to stand out and remembered by the audience. By developing a unique appeal and relationship to the protagonist, the deuteragonist can enrich the story and provide powerful dramatic tension. By carefully crafting the deuteragonist’s role in the story, the author can create a powerful and meaningful journey for the protagonist.

four | The Tertiary

In creating powerful character arcs, there are three primary character types: the protagonist, the antagonist, and the tertiary character. Readers often misunderstand tertiary characters, but tertiary characters can provide an important role in a story. 

Tertiary characters are often used to supplement the story, acting as catalysts to drive the plot forward. They are also used to round out the themes and ideas presented in the primary and secondary characters. Tertiary characters can provide comedic relief, add texture to the world and the plot, and they can provide a sense of continuity. 

The author can define tertiary characters in several ways, but it's important to note that tertiary characters should not be minor characters. They often provide subtle but significant roles in the story and extend the role of the protagonist or antagonist. The tertiary character may even take on some traits of the protagonist or antagonist. They can also provide an important foil, bringing with them a different angle on the story’s central conflict. 

Tertiary characters can range from family members to best friends, to secondary antagonists, to unknown characters who have a significant impact on the story. It's important to create tertiary characters who are multifaceted and have different motivations, so that they don't become too one-dimensional. 

Tertiary characters bring new perspectives and ideas, they create tension and conflict, and they can shape the novel's themes. Remember that tertiary characters are just as important as protagonist and antagonists, and you should treat them with the same attention and care.

five | The Romantic

Romantic characters appear in many stories, ranging from contemporary to historical. They come in all shapes and sizes and often have a significant impact on the plot and characters. 

Typically, romantic characters are passionate, often larger-than-life figures who are driven by emotions rather than reason. They are passionate about love, and they may do almost anything for the object of their affections. They are often willing to challenge authority, break societal conventions, and fight for what they believe in. 

These characters often have an element of intrigue attached to them. They may be the one who the protagonist is trying to save, or the one who the protagonist is struggling against. In the stories they appear in, they often serve as the primary source of conflict, as they can blur the boundaries of right and wrong and push the protagonist to make tough choices. 

Creating a strong romantic character requires careful thought and planning. It is important to determine what drives the character and what their goals are. It is also important to think about their flaws and how you can portray them realistically. This is especially true in this type of character, because they often require a higher complexity and depth to fully capture the audience’s attention. 

It is also important to think about how the character interacts with other characters. For instance, does the character have a significant connection to the protagonist? How does this connection affect the plot? Are there any interesting dynamics you should explore? 

Finally, it is important to consider the character arc of the romantic figure. This can vary from story to story, but it is best to have the character’s arc be distinct from the protagonist’s arc. This can help to create a richer story, as it allows for more exploration of the relationship between the characters. 

Creating a powerful romantic character can be a rewarding experience, as it can provide an interesting contrast or connection to the story. By taking the time to consider all the aspects of the character’s arc and journey, it is possible for you to create a truly captivating romantic character.

six | The Confidant

The confidant's role in creating powerful character arcs is one that you shouldn't overlook. They are often the comic relief, but they can also play a larger part in helping the protagonist move through obstacles and reach their desired goal. In fact, a confidant can be a powerful ally to the protagonist because they offer insight, support, and often an outsider’s perspective. 

A confidant should be a positive and encouraging voice in the protagonist’s life. They should want to help the protagonist succeed and be willing to offer advice and guidance when needed. A confidant can be a mentor, a family member, a friend, or even a romantic partner. The most important thing is that they support the protagonist throughout their journey, not just when things are easy, but also during the tough times. 

In order to make a confidant’s role effective, they should have their own arc. This arc should be parallel to the protagonist’s, allowing the audience to see how their development affects the protagonist, while also allowing the audience to empathize with the confidant. 

To make the confidant character a successful part of the story, they should provide support when needed, but also have their own agency. This will make the confidant more than just a side character and give them their own story to follow. The confidant should have their own goals and ambitions, which can act as a driving force for the story and the protagonist. 

As the confidant helps the protagonist, the two should grow closer, creating a special bond that grows throughout the story. This bonding will help the audience understand both characters better and make the story much more powerful. 

The confidant's role in creating powerful character arcs is one that you should not overlook. By having a confidant who supports the protagonist, but also has their own goals, a special relationship can form between the two that makes the story more powerful and relatable.

seven | The Foil

A foil is a character that contrasts with the protagonist in order to highlight certain aspects of the protagonist’s personality or character arc. Foil characters can be allies, rivals, or even enemies, but their purpose is always to draw contrast to the protagonist.

When creating a foil, consider both the similarities and the differences between the protagonist and the foil. These similarities and differences will help to establish the foil as a meaningful character, and they will also help to further develop the character arc of the protagonist. For example, if the protagonist is an intelligent person, a foil might be a person of equal intelligence but with a more street-wise approach. This contrast between intelligence and street-smarts can build tension and further develop the character arc.

Consider the plot when creating a foil. A foil should be more than just a surface contrast; they should play an active role in the plot, and their arc should progress in a way that highlights the protagonist’s arc. For example, if the protagonist is driven by a sense of justice, the foil might be driven by a sense of greed or anger. This contrast will provide the plot with tension and further develop the character arcs of both the protagonist and the foil.

Ultimately, by considering both the similarities and differences between the protagonist and the foil, and by actively involving the foil in the plot, the foil can help to create tension, to further develop the character arcs of both the protagonist and the foil, and to provide a meaningful conclusion to the story. By adding a foil to the story, you can elevate your story arcs to create powerful and impactful stories.

 

What Are the Arc Types

A character arc is an essential part of fiction writing. It allows the reader to get to know and follow a character’s journey. In this section, I’ll look at the three main types of character arcs: positive, negative, and flat. I’ll explore examples of each and discuss how to create compelling and powerful character arcs for your stories.

one | The Positive Character

A positive character arc is one that presents a character’s journey in a positive light. These arcs show a character's growth, changes, and eventual triumphs over obstacles, driving the story forward and making the narrative meaningful and enjoyable. Let’s look at five different archetypes.

Hero’s Journey - The most common type of positive character arc is the ‘hero’s journey’, in which the protagonist embarks on a quest and grows during the process. You can see this type of arc in many stories, from classic works to modern films. The hero typically starts out as an average person, unprepared for the troubles ahead. You then test and strengthen your character as he faces challenges, eventually emerging as a changed character at the end of their journey.

Growth - Another archetype is the ‘growth’ arc, in which the character actively strives to become better. In this type of arc, the character starts off with a shortcoming or flaw, and over the course of the story, works to overcome it and become a better person. This type of arc usually revolves around the idea of personal growth and self-development, and is a great way to present a character’s growth in a positive light. The character Miles Jordan in my novel, Rage Matters, is an example of the growth archetype.

Reformation - The ‘reformation’ arc is like the growth arc, but it focuses on the positive changes and growth of a character who has gone through some kind of negative experience. In this arc, the character starts off in a negative place and forced to confront their weaknesses and flaws, eventually being able to overcome them and transform into a better version of themselves.

Redemption - The ‘redemption’ arc is like the reformation arc, but takes it one step further. In this type of arc, you make your character face the consequences of their past mistakes and force them to make amends. This type of arc is a great way to show the power of redemption and how it can lead to a positive outcome.

Transformation - Finally, the ‘transformation’ arc is arguably the most powerful of all positive character arcs. In this arc, ensure your character has completely changed and transformed by the events of the story, emerging as a new person. This type of arc is a great way to show a character’s complete transformation, and the impact it has on their life and the lives of those around them. The transformation of the character Betsy Snelling in my upcoming novel, The Brain Voices, is a perfect example of a Transformation arc.

two | The Negative Character

A negative character arc is when a character starts off in a positive or comfortable state, but then experiences trials and tribulations that ultimately bring them to a point of realization and growth. 

The process of a negative character arc is often a journey of inner conflict and self-discovery. It can also include a feeling of being overwhelmed or overwhelmed by life events. The character has to face obstacles and overcome them in order to reach their ultimate destiny. Through this process, they learn invaluable lessons along the way, which often leads them to a much better place than where they started. 

You can see examples of negative character arcs everywhere in literature, television and film, from the classic villain in a fairy tale to the hero in a superhero film. In these stories, the characters often start out seemingly happy and content with their lives, but soon face challenges, from external sources or from their own personality traits. As the plot unfolds, these challenges force the character to learn and grow. 

Sometimes, the negative character arc can also lead to a transformation in character traits. The character may question their own beliefs or life path or evolve. For example, in the classic fairy tale "The Little Mermaid," Ariel starts out as a naïve and carefree mermaid, but by the end of the story she has become a brave and determined human, taking a big risk in order to follow her dreams.

The most powerful use of a negative character arc is when it involves a major turning point in the story. During this moment, the character needs to make a major decision that will define the rest of their journey. They must choose to stay in their comfort zone, or take a leap of faith and confront their fears to pursue the life they always wanted. 

In creating a powerful negative character arc, it's important to show the character's growth and development, as well as their struggles and triumphs. By putting the character through their own unique personal journey, we can create an engaging and meaningful story that audiences will remember

three | The Flat Character

The ‘flat’ character arc type is one of the most challenging to create, as it requires an understanding of where to draw the line between a static and a static-yet-changing character. Unlike the other major character arc types—hero’s journey, redemptive, and positive change—the flat character arc is one that is marked by very little outer change while still allowing subtle shifts in the character’s inner life and mental states.

The character that undergoes a flat arc typically remains the same in terms of attitude, values, and overall identity. While there might be moments where this character exhibits growth, those moments are fleeting and ultimately not substantial enough to affect the character’s overall arc. This includes a lack of major plot points in the story, such as climaxes, climaxes of a more subtle kind, or big decisions that the character needs to make that influence their life.

When creating a flat character arc, it is important to recognize the differences between a static character and an ever-changing character. A static character’s moving parts don’t change, whereas a changing character can experience shifts in some aspects of their life. A flat character’s decisions should come from a moral or ethical place within the character, rather than external influences.

Other key components to a flat character arc include subplots, secondary characters, and settings. It is important to consider how the character interacts with these elements, as they can shine a light on different aspects of the character’s inner life that may hide underneath the surface. Paying attention to nuances and variations in speech can also show moments of growth or progress, such as when a character uses a more mature vocabulary or expresses themselves differently.

Ultimately, creating a powerful flat character arc requires authors to focus on the small moments and understand the subtle nuances that can reveal a character’s inner life. While it can be a difficult arc to build, the rewards for characters that take this path can be great. In my novel, Retribution, the character Ro Howard is an example of the flat character.

 

The Anatomy of Character Arcs

Character arcs are an integral part of effective writing. Done correctly, they can propel a story forward with interesting twists and turns, engaging readers and compelling them to keep reading. But to understand how to craft an effective character arc, you’ll need to get to know the anatomy of a character arc.

A character arc is the journey the character takes throughout the story. It’s the process of the character’s growth and development over the course of the story, and you can break it down into three parts: the setup, the conflict, and the resolution.

one | The Setup

The setup is the beginning of your character’s journey. This is the point in the story where your character’s arc starts. It’s where you introduce readers to your character and their back-story. It’s also where you reveal the character’s flaws, motivations, and goals.

two | The Conflict

The conflict sets your character in motion. This is where you test and challenge them, push them to their limits, and force them to take action. Throughout the conflict, you force your character to face their fears and make tough choices. This is the part of the story that will take your character to the brink and beyond, helping them to grow and evolve.

three | The Resolution

The resolution is the culmination of the character’s journey. This is where they come to terms with all they have been through, and where they learn and grow. The resolution is often the most rewarding part of the story, as it promises a better future for the character, and provides them with the tools to carry on with their lives.

Creating an effective character arc is integral to any story. Knowing the anatomy of a character arc will help you craft a compelling story and engaging characters. By understanding the setup, the conflict, and the resolution, you’ll be able to craft powerful character arcs that will leave readers captivated and enthralled.

 

Writing Character Arcs

Two Effective Approaches

one | Touch the Readers Emotions

One of the most important elements of creating powerful character arcs is touching the reader’s emotions. In order to do this, you must be able to build on your characters’ personal experiences and emotions. As the audience’s connection to the characters grows, they will become invested in the character’s journey and be more connected to the story. 

The key to connecting readers with characters is to create a personal, unbiased, and believable narrative. You can do this through a variety of techniques, such as: 

  • Fleshing out character backgrounds and motivations through flashbacks, dreams, and dialogue 

  • Developing your characters’ inner thoughts and emotions through inner monologues and conversations 

  • Portraying realistic conflict and growth through dialogue and action

  • Highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, and personal struggles of the characters 

Showing the personal struggles of the characters helps the reader to relate to their experiences. It's difficult to connect to faceless protagonists, so it is important to show the personal struggles and emotions of the characters to help the reader understand their journey and empathize with them.

Building the emotional connection between reader and character is essential for creating powerful character arcs. It should be clear to the reader why a certain character is making certain decisions and how these choices will shape their journey. In order to make these connections, focus on creating characters that are flawed and complicated, but still sympathetic. 

Creating powerful character arcs is about more than just building connections. It’s about providing an emotional journey for your readers. Writing a story that touches readers at an emotional level is what will make your work stand out. Through character arcs, your readers will gain insight into your characters’ thoughts and feelings, as well as their journey toward growth.

two | Manipulate the Protagonist

Manipulating the protagonist is one of the most important elements of creating a compelling character arc. By manipulating the protagonist, the storyteller can control the pacing of the arc and the intensity of the protagonist’s growth. 

One way to manipulate the protagonist is by providing them with a challenge that encourages growth. This could be a physical obstacle to overcome, an internal conflict to explore, or an emotional choice to make. By crafting a challenge that is difficult but not impossible, you force the protagonist to confront their own inner struggles and limitations. This confrontation can be a powerful moment of growth, as the protagonist learns something about themselves and their capabilities. 

Another way of manipulating the protagonist is by providing external forces that push the character to grow. This could be an antagonistic force or a person who helps the protagonist to change for the better. By introducing this dynamic, the protagonist must contend with an outside influence, and this often leads to them questioning their beliefs and choices. In this way, you can push and pull the protagonist between two competing forces, and this conflict can lead to a significant shift in their character arc. 

The storyteller can use other characters to manipulate the protagonist. By creating a character that the protagonist must interact with, the storyteller can provide the protagonist with a foil to challenge them, a mentor to guide them, or a companion to support them. Through this relationship, the protagonist can learn something about themselves and the world around them. 

Manipulating the protagonist is a powerful tool that storytellers can use to shape a character arc. By providing a challenge, external forces, and other characters, the storyteller can create a dynamic character arc that is both engaging and meaningful.

 

Characters You May Know

Character arcs are a vital element of storytelling, and with the right arc, your characters can capture your audience's attention and create an engaging and powerful narrative. In this section, let’s look at some popular character arcs you may know. By exploring these arcs, we can better appreciate how powerful they can be.

Walter White - Breaking Bad

The iconic character arc of Walter White in Breaking Bad is one of the most memorable and powerful arcs in television history. Walter White is a struggling science teacher diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He subsequently enters the dangerous world of crystal meth production in order to provide financial security for his family.

Throughout the series, we see Walter go on a journey of transformation, as he evolves from a timid and law-abiding individual to a ruthless criminal kingpin. The writers focused his arc heavily on character development and his struggle with morality and his own sense of identity.

The writers of Breaking Bad expertly crafted Walter’s character arc and make it emotionally resonant and powerful. As Walter progresses through his arc, he slowly and gradually slides further down the slippery slope of criminal activity, which leads him to make increasingly immoral choices. This dynamic between his morality and his criminal activities is used to create a sense of tension and suspense that keeps viewers hooked.

Walter’s character arc is one of the most memorable arcs in television history because of its complexity. While it is easy to see the destructive path that Walter takes throughout the series, viewers also get to see the nuanced motivations behind each of his decisions. This creates a sympathetic character that viewers can’t help but root for, even as he slides further and further down the dark path of criminality. 

Overall, Walter White’s character arc in Breaking Bad is one of the most powerful and memorable arcs in television history. Not only does it show viewers the consequences of living a life of crime, but it also provides a compelling look at the motivations and character development of one of the most iconic characters of all time.

Katniss Everdeen - The Hunger Games

Katniss Everdeen is an iconic character from the Hunger Games series, known for her strength, bravery and determination. She stands out in popular culture as one of the most recognizable heroines of the 21st century. Her character arc is an excellent example of how to portray growth and development within a story.

At the beginning of her journey, Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living in poverty. She is determined to protect her family, and she will risk her life to do so. She is also determined to survive and make it through the Hunger Games, no matter what the cost. Through her various struggles, she learns how to be brave, resilient, and resourceful. She also learns how to be compassionate, even to those she initially considered her enemies, like Peeta Mellark.

Throughout the series, they forced Katniss to face increasingly tough challenges in order to survive and protect her loved ones. She develops her skills in strategy, diplomacy, and even combat. She also learns how to rely on and trust those who can help her succeed. These experiences help shape her character and propel her forward.

By the end of the series, Katniss is a much different person. She is stronger, wiser, and more capable of making tough decisions. She also clearly understands what is truly important in life, and she has the courage to follow her convictions. Katniss is an inspiring example of a character who undergoes a powerful transformation throughout the course of a story.

Rebecca Welton - Ted Lasso

Rebecca Welton’s character arc in the popular Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso is an excellent example of how a protagonist can change and grow while staying true to themselves. Rebecca starts out as the manager of the Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond, and seems determined to run the franchise her own way. She’s a take-no-nonsense kind of person and not afraid to speak her mind, even if it means making enemies. As the show progresses, though, Rebecca realizes that she’s been going about things the wrong way and that her approach is actually hurting the team.

Thanks to the friendship and influence of Ted Lasso, the newly hired American coach of AFC Richmond, Rebecca looks at things from a different perspective and puts the team ahead of her own personal agenda. She becomes more open to collaboration and shows more empathy for her players. She also becomes more flexible with deciding, rewarding performance, and giving guidance to her staff.

At first, Rebecca was skeptical of Ted’s unusual coaching methods, especially when helping the players with their personal issues. But as she gets to know him better, she sees the positive results of his approach and eventually comes to believe in it, too. By the end of the show, Rebecca has been through a major character arc and has become a much better leader. She has learned to be open-minded, to trust her instincts, and to put the team first.

Rebecca’s arc is a great example of how character arcs can work in any genre, from comedy to drama. Not only does it show how a character can grow and change, it also shows how a supportive relationship can be a powerful influence. This arc is inspiring and relatable, as it shows that even if you’re stuck in a rut, there is always the potential for growth and improvement.

 

Conclusion:

Creating compelling characters is an essential part of any narrative. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and found it useful.

 
KREATON BOOKS

Suspense thriller fiction novels.

https://kreatonbooks.com
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