✨ Character Development Arcs ✨
Welcome, budding writer, to the fascinating world of character development arcs . Get ready to add depth to your creations and make your readers laugh, cry or even throw the book out the window! ( In a good way, of course 😂).
✨ What is a development arc?
Think about your favorite character. Now, imagine if from the beginning to the end of the story 'he didn't change one bit' . It would be like watching a series without twists or surprises!
A development arc is the internal journey that a character goes through
. It is his emotional, psychological or moral evolution. It is what
makes him human (or, if you write science fiction, what makes him real
even if he is a robot with a conscience of his own).
✨ Types of development arcs
There are three main types of arcs. Think of them as game modes for your characters:
1. 💪 Positive arc: The hero's journey
The character starts out with flaws, traumas, or insecurities, but
throughout the story they learn, grow, and become a better version of
themselves.
✨ Example: An alcoholic detective who overcomes his addiction and solves an impossible case.
✨ Tip: Ask yourself, what is your character afraid of? What's stopping him from being his best self? What could help him change?
2. 💥 Negative arc: The descent into darkness
The character 'goes into a nosedive' . They may become cynical, corrupt, become cruel, or simply give up on the world.
✨ Example: An idealistic spy who, after many betrayals, becomes a ruthless killer.
✨ Tip: This arc is ideal for thrillers, police stories, or intense drama. The bigger the fall, the more shocking the story will be.
3. 🔄 Flat Arc: The Unbreakable Character
The character **doesn't change**, but they change others. They are
inspiring figures or forces of nature that transform the world around
them.
✨ Example: An android with unwavering principles that makes humans question their own morality.
✨ Tip: If your character is a symbol of something great, this is their arc. Give them powerful dialogue and memorable scenes!
✨ How to create an unforgettable arc?
✅ Give them a desire and a fear: Every character wants something and fears something. That makes them move.
✅ Give them real obstacles: If everything is easy, the story is boring. Make them suffer (but with love).
✅ Show, don't tell: Don't say "he learned to be brave", make him show it in an intense scene.
✅Make sure their ending makes sense: If it changes, it has reasons. If it doesn't change, it has a shocking effect.
✨ How can AI help you?
Artificial Intelligences like ChatGPT can be your best allies to:
🎨 Generate ideas for character arcs according to the genre you write.
📖 Create scenarios and conflicts that drive the growth of your characters.
🎤 Help you with dialogues that reflect their evolution (or decline).
🤖 Even challenge you with questions to delve deeper into their development!
✨ It's your turn!
Now that you know the development arcs, which one will you use in your
next story? Bring those characters to life and make their journey
unforgettable! ✌️📚
Do you have questions? Do you want to expand on these topics?
If you are interested in expanding on these topics, I recommend that you read my articles for writers. There you will find many interesting topics that will help you become a 21st century writer. Here are my notes for writers (use the google translate button - for no-spanish writers-) 🌌✍️
Do you have any questions? You can ask me -in english too- through a google form. Use the "Tu Consulta" button, please:
Good writing! 🚀✍️
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