How to Create a Character Arc in a Narrative

If you’ve ever found yourself drawn into a story because of a character’s personal growth, you’ve experienced the power of a well-crafted character arc. Maybe you’re writing your first short story or developing a full-length novel — whatever your starting point, understanding how to create a character arc will help you write richer, more believable characters that truly resonate with readers.

Stories are not just about what happens; they’re about who it happens to, and how that person changes because of it. A character arc is that personal transformation. Let’s explore how to write strong, memorable character arcs that will elevate your storytelling.

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A character arc is the internal journey a character goes through across a story. It’s how they grow, change, and evolve in response to the events around them.

It’s the emotional or psychological transformation a character experiences from the beginning of the story to the end. Whether it’s a journey from fear to courage, ignorance to wisdom, or selfishness to selflessness, this arc gives your character depth and keeps your readers emotionally invested.

The definition of a character arc is the shift in a character’s beliefs, motivations, or behaviours caused by the challenges they face during the plot.

A good story doesn’t just show what happens — it shows why it matters. That’s where character arcs come in. They add emotional weight to the plot and give readers a reason to care. Through a strong character arc, your audience experiences transformation alongside your protagonist, making the story feel meaningful and memorable.

Even if your plot is action-packed, a flat or unchanging character can leave the story feeling hollow. Readers connect with change. They want to see someone face their flaws, confront difficult truths, and either rise above or fall victim to them.

There are many ways a character can evolve, but most arcs fall into three main categories: the positive arc, the negative arc, and the flat arc. Understanding these types of character arcs will help you choose the best path for your character.

This is the most familiar and uplifting arc. The character starts off flawed, unsure, or stuck in some way. As the story unfolds, they face challenges that force them to grow and ultimately become a better or more self-aware version of themselves. Think of characters like Harry Potter, who grows from a lonely, uncertain boy into a confident leader.

Not all character arcs are happy. In a negative character arc, the character deteriorates. They might start with good intentions, but due to fear, pride, or pain, they spiral into corruption or despair. If you’re wondering what is a negative character arc, this is it: a character who loses themselves rather than finding themselves. Walter White from Breaking Bad is a well-known example.

In a flat arc, also known as a free arc, the character doesn’t change much internally; instead, they change the world around them. These characters have strong beliefs or values that remain constant, and through their journey, they influence others or stand firm against change. Captain America is a perfect example of this kind of arc. If you’re unsure how to write a flat character arc, focus on how the character’s core beliefs are tested and reaffirmed by the plot.

Some of the most recognisable arcs include:

These arcs follow familiar patterns and can be used as a story arc template to guide your writing.

A character arc can be visualised as a curved path that begins at a certain point, dips during times of struggle or doubt, and rises again as the character grows. This curve helps track the emotional and psychological development of the character.

To give you a better idea of what a character arc looks like, consider this basic structure:

This framework can serve as a simple character arc template to build upon.

Writing a character arc doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a straightforward step-by-step process to help you shape your character’s journey.

This process can help you draw a character arc that feels authentic and satisfying.

Let’s look at an example. In A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge starts as a greedy, bitter man. He believes that money is more important than people — that’s his lie. As he’s visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, he’s forced to confront the truth about himself. By the end, he’s transformed into a generous and joyful person.

This is a textbook example of a positive change arc. The story is powerful because we see the emotional steps that lead to Scrooge’s transformation.

A character arc often begins with a lie. This lie can be something they believe about themselves, others, or the world. It’s not necessarily a literal untruth, but a mistaken belief that shapes their actions.

For example, in Finding Nemo, Marlin believes the world is too dangerous and that he must control everything to keep his son safe. This belief — his lie — leads to conflict. His journey is about learning to trust and let go.

The arc comes from challenging that lie and ultimately growing beyond it.

Now that you have an understanding of how to create unforgettable character arcs, why not take your writing to the next level? At Centre of Excellence, our Creative Writing Diploma Course is available at a discounted price of £29. Discover more tips, templates, and expert guidance on character development and other aspects of fiction writing.