character-arcs

Apply this skill when:

• Developing character transformations
• Tracking character growth
• Analyzing protagonist journey
• Building supporting character arcs

What is a Character Arc?

The internal transformation a character undergoes, usually from:

• Flaw → Strength
• Want → Need
• Lie → Truth
• Fear → Courage

The Core Arc Formula

```

CHARACTER starts BELIEVING [lie/flaw]

EVENTS force CHARACTER to confront [truth]

CHARACTER transforms by EMBRACING [new understanding]

```

Positive Change Arc

Character overcomes flaw, grows positively.

```

Start: Believes the lie

Middle: Confronted by truth

End: Embraces truth, transformed

```

Example: Scrooge learns generosity over greed.

Negative Change Arc

Character descends, becomes worse.

```

Start: Resisting the lie

Middle: Tempted by lie

End: Embraces lie, corrupted

```

Example: Michael Corleone's descent in The Godfather.

Flat Arc

Character already knows truth, changes the world.

```

Start: Knows the truth

Middle: World tests truth

End: Proves truth, changes others

```

Example: Katniss in The Hunger Games.

Want vs. Need

| Component | Definition | Example |

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

| Want | External goal | Win the competition |

| Need | Internal growth | Learn to trust others |

The story works when pursuing the Want forces confrontation with the Need.

The Lie

The false belief the character holds:

• "I don't need anyone"
• "I'm not good enough"
• "Violence solves everything"
• "Love makes you weak"

The Truth

What the character must learn:

• "Connection gives us strength"
• "I am worthy"
• "Understanding prevents violence"
• "Love is worth the risk"

The Ghost (Wound)

The past event that created the lie:

• Abandonment led to "I don't need anyone"
• Failure led to "I'm not good enough"
• Childhood trauma led to the flaw

Act One Arc Beats

| Story Beat | Arc Beat |

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

| Opening Image | Character in flawed state |

| Setup | Flaw demonstrated |

| Catalyst | Flaw creates problem |

| Debate | Flaw vs. opportunity |

| Break Into Two | Commits despite flaw |

Act Two Arc Beats (First Half)

| Story Beat | Arc Beat |

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

| Fun and Games | Flaw seems to work |

| Midpoint | Glimpse of truth |

Act Two Arc Beats (Second Half)

| Story Beat | Arc Beat |

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

| Bad Guys Close In | Flaw causes problems |

| All Is Lost | Flaw leads to disaster |

| Dark Night of Soul | Confronts the lie |

Act Three Arc Beats

| Story Beat | Arc Beat |

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

| Break Into Three | Accepts truth |

| Finale | Acts from truth |

| Final Image | Transformation complete |

Relationship Characters

Often carry the B-Story and theme:

• Mirror protagonist's arc
• Challenge protagonist's lie
• Model the truth

Antagonist Arc

May have inverse arc:

• Believes opposite lie
• Tempts protagonist
• Falls when protagonist rises (or vice versa)

Secondary Arcs

Supporting characters should have arcs too:

• Simpler than protagonist
• Connect to main theme
• Change from protagonist's influence

```markdown

Core Arc

• Lie believed: [what they believe]
• Truth to learn: [what they must learn]
• Ghost/Wound: [what created the lie]

Want vs. Need

• Want (external): [goal]
• Need (internal): [growth]

Arc Type

[Positive/Negative/Flat]

Transformation Markers

| Act | State | Evidence |

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

| Opening | [state] | [scene/action] |

| Midpoint | [state] | [scene/action] |

| Low Point | [state] | [scene/action] |

| Climax | [state] | [scene/action] |

| End | [state] | [scene/action] |

Key Relationship

• Character: [name]
• Role: [mirror/mentor/antagonist]
• How they challenge lie: [description]

```

```markdown

| Character | Arc Type | Lie | Truth | Status |

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

| [Protagonist] | Positive | [lie] | [truth] | [Act X] |

| [Supporting] | Positive | [lie] | [truth] | [Act X] |

| [Antagonist] | Negative | [lie] | [truth] | [Act X] |

```

No Clear Lie

• Character has no flaw to overcome
• Growth feels arbitrary
• Fix: Define the lie before writing

Arc Happens Too Fast

• Transformation isn't earned
• Single scene "fixes" character
• Fix: Spread growth across multiple tests

Arc Disconnected from Plot

• Internal and external stories don't connect
• Character changes for no plot reason
• Fix: Make plot events force internal change

Supporting Characters Flat

• Only protagonist changes
• World feels static
• Fix: Give key supporting characters mini-arcs

• [ ] Protagonist has clear lie/truth
• [ ] Ghost/wound explains the lie
• [ ] Want and need are distinct
• [ ] Arc connects to plot events
• [ ] Transformation shown through action
• [ ] Opening and final images show change
• [ ] Key relationships challenge the lie
• [ ] Supporting characters have arcs