Hi Reader,
I recently took part in a character arc workshop, where I was able to evaluate a character arc worksheet and give feedback to the writer. It reminded me on a common challenge many writers face, myself included: how to tie the plot to the arc of change.
We may know what our character's misbelief is and why they need to change, but how do we actually show that change as it's happening? It's not enough to tell the reader that the character has changed, they have to witness it. Otherwise, the reader won't believe the change has occured and they'll finish your book feeling unfulfilled.
So how can you design a satisfying character arc?
- Know the destination - where will your protagonist start and where will they end? If you want them to end up changing into B they need to start at point A. Even if the change is small, there should be a difference between start and finish.
- The plot needs to create change - The events of the story should target the specific wound or flaw of the protagonist. They should challenge them in ways they haven't been before. As you brainstorm your protagonist's backstory, think about how long they've carried this wound or misbelief and why they haven't resolved their issues yet. What can make them finally change?
- Don't make it too easy - in order to sustain a novel, you have to keep the protagonist from changing too quickly. The plot has to keep throwing things at them and push them to their limits until they can't resist anymore. It will only be until they reach the climax of the story (around the 80-90% mark) where they'll finally surrender and see the error of their ways.
- Show the change by using a mirror moment - to best illustrate how the protagonist has been changed by the events of the story, it's useful to have two contrasting scenes: one at the beginning and one after the a-ha moment when they've finally let go of their misbelief. I always like to use A Christmas Carol as an example. There are many small moments at the beginning that get mirrored at the end: Scrooge doesn't want to give money to a charity, he rejects his nephew's invitation to dinner, and he reprimands his employe for using the stove for heat. After Scrooge's epiphany, we see him react to these individuals in the complete opposite way.
Case Study: The Nightmare Before Christmas
- The destination: Jack starts bored with his role as Pumpkin King and wants to do something new and different. By the end, he'll have a deeper appreciation of his role and an excitement for next year's Halloween.
- The inciting event: Jack discovers something completely foreign to him -- Christmas. As a new world opens, he's completely fascinated with it and wants to share it with everyone. But they don't get it. So to show them, he decides to take over Christmas for himself.
- The challenges: there are many points in the story where Jack can change course. The kidnapping of Santa Claus doesn't go as planned and Sally warns him that she has a bad feeling about what he's doing. But in his quest for something new, he keeps going, until he gets shot out of the sky for ruining Christmas.
- The a-ha moment: Jack realizes that his place is in Halloween and not Christmas. He's excited for next year. But the story isn't over. Jack still has to rescue Santa and make amends.
In this story, the character arc is resolved before the climax (the plot won't resolve until Santa Claus is rescued and Christmas is saved). But it is through Jack's actions after this realization that we can see proof that he has changed. It's not enough for him to say, "I was wrong and learned my lesson." Jack has to take action. He not only rescues Santa, but also apologizes to him and Sally. And in doing so, Santa gives Halloween Town a Christmas gift that causes the community to finally experience the true meaning of Christmas.
How to Apply this to Your Writing
The plot of The Nightmare Before Christmas gives Jack what he thought he wanted in a very extreme way. Halloween and Christmas are completely opposite to each other. But what happens in the story challenges Jack in a way he never had before and it helps him appreciate his place as the Pumpkin King. Could this same change have happened with a different plot? Maybe. What's important is that the plot cause a change within the character. So if you have a cool plot idea, think about what you want the protagonist to experience as the story goes along.
Escape the Plot Forest Summit
Escape the Plot Forest is an annual summit (now in its 7th year) that includes five days of in-depth, serious presentations and interviews to solve your plot problems. The unofficial theme for this year's summit is Crisis.
I'm really excited to be taking part for the first time this year. My talk is titled, HOW TO CREATE CRISIS FOR YOUR FEMALE LEADS IN ROMCOM & WOMEN'S FICTION, and will focus on similar strategies as discussed above.
How it works: you can watch the whole event for free if you can attend each session live. Alternatively, you can upgrade (follow my link for the discounted ticket) to get a wide range of bonuses and extra sessions + ongoing replay access (watch whenever you want). Register today, and you'll be sent a short story guide full of great advice and prompts and a welcome pack full of highlights from past summits.
The event runs from October 17th to the 21st. One reason writers keep coming back is that the summit has a firm code of conduct that makes it feel like a safe, welcoming environment -- for everyone. You'll finish the summit with a whole new toolkit and roadmap for your novel.
Your Questions
Reply to this email with any questions you may have and I'll answer them in a future issue.
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Work With Me
My mission is for my clients to achieve a finished product that can stand out in the marketplace and reflects their vision and their message. I offer one-on-one coaching focused on the following areas:
- The Blueprint - I'll help you develop your story idea into a clear foundation before drafting. This package is best suited tor writers with a story idea who want clarity, structure, and a solid plan before writing the first draft. Price: $600 for two rounds of feedback.
- First 30 Pages Review - I'll help you polish your first 30 pages to hook readers. This package is best suited to writers preparing to query, submit to editors or contests, or who want to strengthen their opening before drafting further. Price: $200
- Manuscript Evaluation - I'll give you big-picture feedback on theme, character arc, plot, and stakes. This package is best suited to writers with a completed manuscript who need clear direction on what to revise and how to elevate the story. Price: $400 (up to 80K words).
Learn more about my packages and coaching philosophy on my website or fill out this form to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to talk about your specific needs.
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