Writing
a great character arc happens when using descriptive writing.
Your
writing objectives should include interesting story people who are never
stagnant but change as the story progresses. These changes are known as
character arcs.
Knowing
the story you wish to write, some pre-planning is advisable. You’ve written
character sketches. You’ve plotted the story line. You should now be able to
detect how your characters evolve as the plot proceeds. You will begin to
understand the evolution that story people experience as you begin to flesh out
the details.
A
character arc is the overall view of how a character changed from the beginning
of the tale till the ending. When you read other books, try to perceive, even
pin point, the evolution the main character goes through and how they had
changed by the time the story ends. This applies to all characters, but at
least your main character requires a character arc. Approach the overall view
of the arc with the intention to put your story people through some experiences
that will change them.
An
example might be the cop who has tried for years to solve a cold case and whose
efforts are pooh-poohed for trying to wring something more out of dead-end
clues. The story begins with him worn out from years of stale clues and no new
leads. About ready to give up like other investigators have done, still he
persists and then discovers something overlooked by all others. He can’t reveal
his clue for fear of exposing people who could thwart his efforts. He tries
desperately to solve the crime on his own.
In
this scenario, the character arc begins with the cop, worn down, and ready to
face the fact the case may never be solved. He doubts he’s a good cop. The arc
evolves when he finds an overlooked clue. This is where the writer should
employ descriptive writing to enhance what happens to change this cop. He’s
found new motivation. The next step in the character arc is the determination
he shows to get the crime solved. He’s got a new reason to come to work every
day.
After
he solves the crime, he is vindicated. He’s definitely a new man. The writer
can make this new man an egocentric braggart or can make him humble yet full of
self-confidence with a new respect from his fellow officers. You can write a
character arc that may have the character end poorly or magnanimously, but
changed. It’s all in the descriptive writing and what the author wishes to
accomplish with the story.
Another
example is, perhaps, the main character is a stodgy matriarch whose control of
her extended family never waivers. In the story, she believes something to be
true. The story action then proceeds to show her changing her viewpoints. She
becomes a better person for understanding in spite of her mistaken beliefs. Her
status in the family doesn’t change. Her character arc is depicted when she
changes her viewpoint and determines to be more open-minded and better
informed. Her emotional or psychological growth arc becomes the character arc
of the story; all the while her position in the family is maintained.
The
character arc does not apply only to actions taken but to thoughts and beliefs
as well, even if the character does nothing physically but stand her ground in
the hierarchy.
Focusing
on the character arc upholds the conflict or tension of the story overall. What
the character experiences on an inner level affects them on the outer plane and
is what contributes meaning to the story overall.
Know
your writing objectives or story purpose and best define them with descriptive
writing. Most character arcs are shown through emotional or psychological
processes, but the character changes can come about through physical actions
that further show the inner workings of the character’s mind set.
BIO:
Mary Deal is an award-winning author of suspense/thrillers, a short story collection, writers’ references, and self-help. She is a Pushcart Prize nominee, Artist and Photographer, and former newspaper columnist and magazine editor.
She has traveled most of her life and has a lifetime of many and diverse experiences, all of which remain in memory as fodder for her fiction. A native of California’s Sacramento River Delta, where some of her stories are set, she has also lived in England, the Caribbean, and now resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. Having traveled a bit, she continues to paint and use her art and photography to create gorgeous products.
LINK TO AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:
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Author, Painter, PhotographerEric Hoffer Book Award Winner
National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist (past)Pushcart Prize Nominee
Global eBook Awards Nominee2014 National Indie Excellence Book Awards FinalistGlobal eBook Awards BronzeGlobal eBook Awards SilverBlog: http://www.marydeal.comArt Gallery: http://www.MaryDealFineArt.com
Gift Gallery: zazzle.com/IslandImageGallery*Gift Gallery: http://www.redbubble.com/ people/localme
Thanks for posting this article. I have a habit of looking for the character arc in every story I read. It's become an automatic process for me now. The character arc provides the reader with a sense of satisfaction about the story. It can also let a reader down. It can also hint at any sequels that may follow a certain series of stories.
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