arc-check

Apply this skill when:

• Tracking character development through a story
• Ensuring meaningful character transformation
• Validating emotional journey of characters
• Identifying flat or static characters

A character arc is the status of the character as it unfolds throughout the story, the storyline, or series of episodes. Since the definition of character arc centers on the character, it is generally equated as the emotional change of the character within the narrative.

Characters begin the story with a certain viewpoint and, through events in the story, that viewpoint changes. Often this change is for the better, but it can also be for the worse or simply different.

Positive Arc (Growth)

Character overcomes a flaw or limitation.

• Example - Tootsie: Dustin Hoffman's character begins as a misogynistic chauvinist but when forced to play the part of a woman, he experiences a change in how he views women.

Negative Arc (Fall)

Character succumbs to a flaw or becomes worse.

• Example - The Godfather: Michael Corleone at first doesn't want anything to do with his father's crime business. When his father is attacked, Michael realizes his love for his father and begins a war of retribution, becoming the very thing he rejected.

Transformational Arc (Change)

Character becomes fundamentally different (neither better nor worse).

• Example - Empire of the Sun: Jim begins as a carefree young boy. After the Japanese take over Shanghai, he is forced to suffer trauma because of the war.

Flat Arc (Catalyst)

Character doesn't change but causes change in others.

• Example - Superman/Indiana Jones: The hero remains constant while transforming the world around them.

Single Character Arc Worksheet

```markdown

Starting Point

VIEWPOINT: ___________________________________

BELIEF: ___________________________________

FLAW/LIMITATION: ___________________________________

STATUS: ___________________________________

Event 1: [Page ___]

What happens: ___________________________________

Impact on viewpoint: ___________________________________

Event 2: [Page ___]

What happens: ___________________________________

Impact on viewpoint: ___________________________________

Event 3: [Page ___]

What happens: ___________________________________

Impact on viewpoint: ___________________________________

Midpoint Shift: [Page ___]

What changes: ___________________________________

New direction: ___________________________________

Event 4: [Page ___]

What happens: ___________________________________

Impact on viewpoint: ___________________________________

Dark Night/Crisis: [Page ___]

Lowest point: ___________________________________

Confronting truth: ___________________________________

Ending Point

NEW VIEWPOINT: ___________________________________

NEW BELIEF: ___________________________________

FLAW RESOLVED/EMBRACED: ___________________________________

NEW STATUS: ___________________________________

Arc Assessment

TYPE: [ ] Positive [ ] Negative [ ] Transformational [ ] Flat

DEGREE OF CHANGE: [ ] Dramatic [ ] Moderate [ ] Subtle

BELIEVABLE: [ ] Yes [ ] No - Why: _______________

```

Track multiple character arcs across the three-act structure:

```markdown

| Character | ACT 1 Status | ACT 2 Status | ACT 3 Status | Arc Type |

|-----------|--------------|--------------|--------------|----------|

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

```

Unlike a story arc, the character arc is not confined within the limits of one story. The character arc may extend over to the next story, a sequel, or another episode.

Series Arc Example - Star Wars Prequels

Over the course of the trilogy, Anakin Skywalker goes from:

• Protector of the Old Republic →
• Corrupted by Palpatine →
• Becomes the villainous Darth Vader

Series Arc Template

```markdown

Episode/Film 1

Starting point: ___________________________________

Ending point: ___________________________________

Episode/Film 2

Starting point: ___________________________________

Ending point: ___________________________________

Episode/Film 3

Starting point: ___________________________________

Ending point: ___________________________________

Overall Arc

TRANSFORMATION: From _______________ to _______________

```

1. Does the character change?

- If no, are they a catalyst character?

- If yes, is the change earned through story events?

1. Is the arc visible?

- Can you point to specific scenes showing the change?

- Is the transformation shown, not just told?

1. Is the arc necessary?

- Does the plot require this change?

- Does the theme require this change?

1. Is the arc believable?

- Are there enough events to justify the change?

- Is the change too sudden or too gradual?

1. Does the arc resonate?

- Will audiences connect with this journey?

- Is there a universal truth in this transformation?

| Problem | Symptom | Solution |

|---------|---------|----------|

| No arc | Character same at end | Add transformative events |

| Rushed arc | Change feels unearned | Add more building events |

| Invisible arc | Change happens off-screen | Show the moments of change |

| Wrong arc | Character changes in unrelated way | Align arc with theme |

| Abandoned arc | Arc starts but doesn't complete | Follow through to resolution |

• [ ] Each major character's starting viewpoint identified
• [ ] Key events that change viewpoint documented
• [ ] Ending viewpoint is different from start
• [ ] Arc type identified (positive/negative/transformational/flat)
• [ ] Change is visible on screen, not just told
• [ ] Arc supports the theme of the story
• [ ] Transformation is earned through story events