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What is a Character Arc? 3 Types with Examples from Fiction

Character arc

By BlueroseonePublished about a year ago 1 min read
What is a Character Arc? 3 Types with Examples from Fiction

A character arc is one of the key factors that contribute to a fascinating story. It refers to a character’s change or inner journey as they progress through the story. Whether a character is a protagonist, antagonist, or supporting character, how they evolve (or do not change) throughout a story is critical to keeping the audience engaged. In this post, we will go deeply into the concept of a character arc, investigate the three primary types of character arcs, and examine examples from popular fiction to better understand how they operate.

What is a Character Arc?

A character arc is a journey of transformation that a character goes on as they progress through the events of the novel. This transformation can be emotional, moral, psychological, or social, but it always involves a transition from one condition to another. A character arc is important in most stories since it serves to develop the characters and makes the story more accessible and compelling.

Imagine a character arc as a road trip. The character begins at one spot, experiences problems along the road, learns lessons, and, by the end of the story, has arrived at a new emotional or mental state. Sometimes the change is drastic, and other times it is subtle. Regardless, the character arc is crucial to the character’s growth and frequently reflects the story’s theme....Continue reading

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