|
Character Arcs:
Develop Believable Characters
Definition -
character arcs: the process in which characters resolve inner
conflict, problems, and shortcomings.
When you unfold
character arcs too slow, you run the risk of boring readers. On the
flipside, unfolding character arcs too fast, readers don't get
to sink their teeth into the character's emotional journey and
personal growth. To avoid letting down readers, follow the show
don't tell rule and create believable characters with an array
of personality attributes. When writing a novel, create characters
with different personality types to keep your story fresh.
As you can see,
your story structure or falls on your character's arc. The
stronger the arc, the stronger the story. Below are tips to create
memorable character arcs.
Writing a
Novel: Develop Strong Character Arcs
 Grab
reader's interest by mentioning the character's main conflict
in the beginning of the story. To create an even more engaging
character, add minor conflicts as the story develops. For
example, your character's main conflict can be that s/he will find
out a secret that threatens to destroy his/her life. Secondary
conflicts can range from having relationship problems with a sibling
and/or a boy-girl friend.
The
personality and relationships of your characters must evolve
throughout the story. When characters remain stagnant, the story
line suffers. Readers look for characters who constantly grow and
are tackling the obstacles in front of them. A fatal flaw in
character arcs is not writing transformational characters readers
can relate to.
The
"growth" depends on the story you're telling. Growth in a
superhero story can be the hero understanding how to use his/her
powers more efficiently. And the growth in a romance can be a woman
allowing love into her life.
The
main character definitely needs an arc. After all, the story is
driven by the MC's thoughts and actions. That said, secondary or
minor characters can have arcs as well.
Make
the climax of the story count. Readers invest their time to learn
about the conflict, experience the climax, and, finally, see
the character through his or her resolution. The
"experience" part is the ground breaking part of the
story because that sets the foundation for the rest of the novel. This
is when readers make a subconscious (or perhaps conscious) decision
on whether they will continue reading.
Tie
everything together by the end of the story. Readers end up
dissatisfied when there are loose ends. When you pull together the
story pace the resolutions. Resolving every conflict or "lesson"
within a few pages make the storyline feel cramped.
| 