Character Arc
Type of character arc: This is to briefly decide whether or not they will progress, regress, or stay the same.
Describe the character before the story began: Briefly describe the character’s standpoint before you arrive to tell the story that will become your book. Were they childish and petulant or are they too serious and have no idea how to have fun? Did they have any friends? Did they have a crush on Love Interest for a very long time? Were they incredibly rude to waiters until they became one themselves?
Describe the character as the story starts: This is who they are in the very first few chapters. Who are they as you introduce them to the reader? This could be the same as the above but it could also be different so there can be references back to who they were before the story started.
How do the events change the character? As the story progresses, if the character has a positive or negative arc, then they will also progress or regress depending on the arc. How do the events you have planned for the story going to affect them? Give some examples of events and how they react/change to them.
Describe the character in the middle of the story: We’re at the midway point. The character has been through hell so far and has changed subtly from who they were at the beginning of the story. Identify the changes and highlight them here so you can make sure you are achieving the desired changes as you write.
Describe the character at the end of the story: The character and the reader have been to hell and back, thrice over. They have significantly changed from who they were at the beginning of the story. Who are they now? How different are they?
What lesson did the character learn? Can they trust their best friend? Is the villain actually not all that wrong with their goal? Did they discover what happened to their pet rat?
What lesson did the character teach others and/or the reader? Is there a moral or lesson to be learned from the story? There doesn’t have to be a lesson, but there could be. It could be small or big, whatever you prefer.
Find the Main Character Workbook HERE!
