Can a character have multiple character arcs?

You can (and often should) have both a series character arc and a series story arc. One thing to understand as you begin writing your series, though, is that while every book needs a story arc, not every series needs to have a series arc.

How does a character arc work?

A character arc is the path a character takes over the course of a story. A character’s arc involves adversity and challenges, as well as some changes to the character, and ultimately leads to resolution. Character arcs generally progress in tandem with traditional three-act story structure.

How many character arcs are in a novel?

The 6 Foundational Ingredients of All Character Arcs. Let’s get started. All five arcs share several commonalities, beginning with their foundational structure (which I prefer to break into three acts and ten beats, as you’ll see below).

What are arcs in series?

A story arc (also narrative arc) is an extended or continuing storyline in episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strips, boardgames, video games, and films with each episode following a dramatic arc. On a television program, for example, the story would unfold over many episodes.

How do you write a series arc?

Read on for ideas to make your series arcs – of character and plot – rewarding:

1. Outline ideas for individual books’ arcs.
2. Reveal some unknowns in each book – keep others for your entire series arc.
3. Give main characters individual series arcs.
4. Develop rising and falling action across your entire series.

Does every character need an arc?

Unless you’re writing a generational epic with dozens of main characters, then you simply don’t need to chart arcs (positive, flat, or negative) for all your characters. Readers aren’t going to notice if every character has an arc.

How important are character arcs in writing?

Character arcs are some of the most important tools in terms of writing compelling fiction, even if they’re played out on a smaller scale in a short story, but certainly when writing a novel.

What do readers look for in a story arc?

One thing readers are looking for in a satisfying character arc is that the lead will have changed by the end of the book due to all they’ve experienced whilst fighting to get their narrative goal. Therefore, it’s key that your protagonist has grown by the end of your story arc and is not the same person as they were at the start.

Does your story arc have a purpose or quest?

However, whatever genre you’re writing in, your character arc is based upon this purpose or quest the protagonist is set on and is doggedly pursuing through the piece and your story arc will not have the poignancy or sense of purpose it needs without this being crystal clear to your audience and thus forming the backbone of your plot.

What is a flat character arc?

Flat character arcs are exactly as they sound – they stay on a flat line, with the character neither growing in strength and awareness or falling from grace, as in Shakespearean tragedies.