Keep Growing: Constructing Powerful Character Arcs

Change is inevitable.

In today’s essay, we examine the 10 beats of character change, and how to construct a powerful character arc.

You want your character to change. They need to realize that the current way isn’t good enough, and they need to find a new way of doing things or seeing the world. As the author, you force them to undergo personal transformations, marked by shifts in their behavior, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences.

The magic lies in how authentically these characters adapt to their changing circumstances, evolving not only in response to the plot but also due to their self-introspection and resilience. This comprehensive guide elaborates on how to effectively imbue your characters with meaningful growth and learning.

Beat by beat, let’s look at how to push your character to change, and have that payoff be oh so sweet.

Stage Setting

“I don’t need to change.”

Before you set your character on the journey of change, it is essential to establish a clear baseline. This includes outlining their initial characteristics, such as behaviors, beliefs, habits, and traits. It is crucial to identify which of these aspects require change to create a compelling arc. Furthermore, their existing knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards life and their surroundings form an important part of this character sketch.

By employing basic principles of learning, writers can paint a vivid picture of the character's readiness for change. This includes mapping out the steps they'll need to take, the emotional impact this transformation might have, and the importance of primacy (what is learned first) and recency (what is learned last) in their metamorphosis. It's crucial to explore the depth of their experiences, their autonomy in making decisions, and the expectations they need to fulfill to achieve their desired change.

Spark of Change

“Change is interesting.”

The inciting incident, or the spark of change, serves as the catalyst for your character's transformation. This could be a dramatic event or a moment of consciousness-raising, leading the character to reevaluate their current self and their relationship with the world around them. It is worth noting that the intensity of this experience usually leaves a profound effect on the character, serving as a powerful driver of their development.