“The character drives the plot, and the plot molds the character’s arc. They cannot work independently.” – K.M. Weiland
What is a character arc?
A character arc is often when a downtrodden character finds his happy ending. It’s when the hero gets his girl and rides off into the sunset to live out his wants and desires for the rest of the time.
But this doesn’t reflect life—and we all know art imitates life—it’s a fantasy.
But isn’t writing a fantasy? Yes, and many delicate fantasies play out in famous fairy tales, where your prince will come one day, and there’s no place like home.
In real life, though, some people don’t change, but those around us are affected by our actions. Sometimes, life hits us harder than we think and we break bad.
Today, we embark on an educational journey to examine the four types of character arcs and answer once and for all, “What is a character arc?”
A character arc is a character’s transformation or inner journey over the course of a story. This change can be positive, negative, or even neutral, depending on the type of arc. Essentially, it maps out how a character evolves from who they are at the beginning to who they become by the end. Throughout the narrative, this evolution is often driven by the character’s experiences, challenges, and personal growth.
There are several types of character arcs, including:
- Moral Ascending Arc: The character overcomes flaws and becomes a better person.
- Moral Descending Arc: The character’s flaws lead them to a worse state.
- Transformational Arc: The character undergoes a significant change in perspective or identity.
- Flat Arc: The character remains largely the same, but their steadfastness impacts the world around them.
The concept of character arcs has evolved over time, with contributions from various writers and theorists. While it’s difficult to pinpoint a single originator, the idea has been significantly shaped by literary critics and authors who have analyzed storytelling structures. Notable influences include Aristotle’s “Poetics,” which discusses character development, and more modern works by writers like Joseph Campbell, who explored the hero’s journey. I’ll elaborate with some examples of contemporary cinema.
1. Positive Change Arc
Marty McFly in Back to the Future (1985) Marty starts as a typical teenager with self-doubt and a lack of direction. Through his time-traveling adventures, he gains confidence and a clearer sense of purpose, ultimately improving his family’s future.
2. Negative Change Arc
Jack Torrance in The Shining (1980) Jack begins as a struggling writer and family man but gradually descends into madness due to the supernatural influences of the Overlook Hotel, leading to his tragic downfall.
3. Flat Arc
John McClane in Die Hard (1988) John McClane remains a challenging, resourceful cop throughout the film. His unwavering determination and skills help him save the hostages and defeat the terrorists, but his core character doesn’t change significantly.
4. Transformational Arc
Sarah Connor in The Terminator (1984) Sarah starts as an ordinary waitress with no idea of her future importance. By the film’s end, she transforms into a determined and resourceful survivor, ready to face the challenges ahead.
These examples highlight how different character arcs can create compelling and memorable stories.
References
Smith, Robert Reed. “What Is a Character Arc? The Four Types with Examples.” Www.dabblewriter.com, 9 Nov. 2021, www.dabblewriter.com/articles/what-is-a-character-arc-the-four-types-with-examples.
DeF, S. (2023, November 3). What is a character arc, and why is it so important? – Susan DeFreitas. Susan DeFreitas. https://susandefreitas.com/what-is-character-arc/
Padavona, D. (2024, April 30). Mastering the Art of Character Arcs in Fiction – DAN PADAVONA. DAN PADAVONA. https://www.danpadavona.com/character-arcs-fiction/
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