Not all characters change for the better…
Al Pacino in Scarface
“A character arc is the status of the character as it unfolds throughout the story, the storyline, or series of episodes.”
~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_arc
“In real life we each regard ourselves as the main character.”
~ On Writing, Stephen King
As part of our workshop series, I wanted to take a look at the concept of Character Arc, and how it can enable us to write characters that:
* Make the story better
* Are plausible
The Character Arc, explored in Chris Vogler’s book The Writer’s Journey, is a framework. Are there flaws? Yes, I believe so. Characters don’t always need to change to grow. Some grow in their resolve. They remain steadfast in their beliefs.
When I first committed to writing, the only book on craft I’d read was Stephen King’s On Writing. It’s an excellent book, and I referenced it a few times for today’s post. So, I dove into writing my first book. I had great fun, and only a vague vision of where my story would go. But I got stuck. When a girl from mudding and four-wheeler country says she’s stuck, she means mired in muck up to her elbows.
The second book on craft I read was Chris Vogler’s The Writer’s Journey. Here’s what using the framework did for me:
It enabled me to learn to ask the right questions of my characters, and move the story forward. I began to understand how to connect-the-dots. Using the Hero’s Journey, as Vogler suggests, as a guide to creating a realistic Character Arc, helped me create a cohesive beginning (Act 1), middle (Act 2), and end (Act 3).
I still write the first, even second draft from an organic mindset. One of my great pleasures in writing is the feeling of awe and adventure as I listen to the whisper of my subconscious. I live a safe life with my remarkable husband and children; writing is my great road trip.
It’s awesome to hit the road and words in the spirit of spontaneity and telling the story as honestly as we can, but if we get lost, there’s nothing wrong with referencing a map.
I encourage you to further research character arcs, the three- act story, archetypes, as well as steadfast characters. I’m using my notes taken from The Writer’s Journey. I’ve broken down the Arc into three acts. The words in parentheses reference the Hero’s Journey.
Act One:
1. Limited awareness of problem (Ordinary World)
2. Increased awareness (Call to Adventure)
3. Reluctance to change (Refusal)
4. Overcoming reluctance (Meeting with the Mentor)
Act Two:
5. Overcoming reluctance (Crossing the Threshold)
6. Experimenting with first change (Tests, Allies, and Enemies)
7. Preparing for big change (Approach to Inmost Cave)
8. Attempting big change (Ordeal)
9. Consequences of the attempt (Reward)
Act Three:
10. Rededication to change (The Road Back)
11. Final attempt at big change (Resurrection)
12. Final mastery of problem (Return with Elixer)
Here are some examples of questions using this framework can help us ask:
* How does the character become aware of conflict/ problems?
* How will the character initially react to the conflict?
* Can the character turn to anyone for advice and honesty?
* What motivates the character to a.) change or b.) remain true to their belief system?
I would love to hear your thoughts on character arc, the Hero’s Journey, or the three-act story structure. How have they affected your writing and storyline, or have you found another system that works for your manuscript?
Thank you for participating.
“I believe these stories exist because sometimes we need to create unreal monsters and bogies to stand in for all the things we feel in our real lives….That truth is monsters are real, and ghosts are real, too. They live inside us, and sometimes they win.”
I wanted to write something cerebral, but it occurs to me April Fool’s Day is coming up and I’d like to have a little fun, perhaps at my own expense. I’ve included one of my favorite memes; just substitute Facebook for solitaire, and you have one of my guilty pleasures.
Courtney Koschel has been writing since she could hold a crayon. She has worked as a journalist, editor, technical writer, and technical editor. Young adult fiction is near and dear to her heart, which is why she writes YA and all of its glorious sub-genres.
Tonia Marie Houston is a mother, writer, poet, bookworm, and blogger. When sheís not chasing her three spider monkeys, she spends her time revising a young adult novel about life after death and second chances. Though she began to pursue her career later in life, she hopes to inspire and motivate other writers to put their best book forward.
This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in North Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is currently working on the sequel to her YA supernatural novel, Touched by Darkness.
Jamie Raintree writes what she likes to call everyday fairytale love stories, featuring the little moments in life that are truly magical. She lives in Arizona with her husband and daughter and is currently editing her second novel.
Jani Grey is a South African ambivert, writer, reader, optimist, and bacon enthusiast. When her boss isnít looking she writes, revises, or edits YA Urban Fantasies in between work. Sheís sneaky like that. Sheís a NaNoWriMo addict and is currently working on two NaNo novels.
Rebecca Fields is a modern gypsy, roaming from place to place in search of ñ well, sheíll let you know when she finds it. Writing has become a way for her to share her adventures, both real and imagined. Along with her on her journey are her son and an assortment of rescued animals.
