In this article we'll consider:
The essence of character development
Establish believable characters
The power of conflict and growth
Subverting expectations: the anti-arc
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When we immerse ourselves in a riveting novel or get lost in the storyline of a compelling movie, what keeps us captivated are not just the plot twists or the vivid settings, but the characters who drive the narrative forward.
In his thoroughly intriguing book, The Science of Storytelling, Will Storr defines story as being more about "human behaviour" than the events that take place. Meaning it's not so much what happens to a character that holds our attention, but who that character is and how they respond to what happens (and perhaps on a deeper level, how we would respond in the same position).
Unlike in life, however, where human behaviour in the face of adversity is often messy, unplanned, and non-linear, within the confines of a story your characters need to not just react to the challenges they are faced with, but progressively learn from them. This is character development, and it's the lifeblood of your story.
The essence of character arc
Character development - which we term an "arc" owing to the trajectory this development takes over the course of your novel - is essential to your story, in that it adds substance and purpose, both of which keep your readers turning the pages. While, in practice, perfecting your character's development arc may take some time and careful planning, the formula itself is straightforward:
Protagonist A, dogged by a series of challenges, has to rethink their understanding of the
world and/or their behaviour in order to overcome the challenges and meet their goals (e.g., stay alive, save the princess, win the award, conquer the boy's heart, overcome tragedy, etc).
Sounds simple. But developing a character and then getting them to change their core values, belief systems, and attitudes isn't easy. The challenges will need to be pretty hefty to be up to such a task. And this is where the real drama of your story takes place; as your character at first resists, then eventually gives in, learns, falls over, gets up again, and evolves over the course of the story.
Think of the character arc as the spine of your novel. From overcoming inner struggles to facing external conflicts (or often both simultaneously), character arcs draw readers into the emotional core of the story, creating a connection that resonates deeply so they don't dare put the book down for a second.
Establishing believable characters
Before you can craft impressive character arcs, however, you need to first develop a cast of characters that feel complete, authentic, and relatable. Whether they are heroes, villains, or anti-heroes, your characters should possess flaws, strengths, and desires that make them multidimensional and, on some level, recognizable.
By giving your characters depth and complexity, you invite readers to invest emotionally in their journey, rooting for their success or lamenting their failures along the way.
While the spotlight will be on your protagonist in terms of character development, other characters need to come through as solid individuals on the page, too. These characters will each have some degree of bearing on your protagonist's need to change and/or their success or failure to do so; therefore, it's important they're as well developed as the protagonist. They may even complete character arcs of their own.
For more help with characterization, take a look at: Bring Your Characters To Life.
The power of conflict and growth
Character arcs are propelled by the conflict that arises between the external and the internal - external events causing internal dissonance. If Harry Potter's family history hadn't been tied up with Voldemort, and if the events of the past hadn't shaped his identity, he wouldn't have been driven to evolve into the wizard he needed to become in order to defeat Voldemort in their ultimate confrontation.
But how do we access that internal conflict in a way that feels natural rather than contrived?
Humans, and therefore characters, have what Will Storr refers to as "models" of the world. We each have our own, and they are a unique combination of genetics, upbringing, environment, education, cultural and social familiarities, conditioning, etc. The problems arise, though, when this model is challenged. Spend ten minutes or so on social media and you'll see what I mean.
When an individual senses a threat to the internal model they've long cultivated, conflict ensues. Often heated conflict. Messy and unwanted in real life - fabulous and the more the better in fiction.
In your story, an attack on your protagonist's internalized world model forces them to confront their fears, consider courses of action (often misjudged in the heat of the moment), make difficult choices, seek solutions, but ultimately find their way to grow as individuals.
By placing your unique characters in situations that push their personal limits and test their beliefs, you create moments of tension and subsequently resolution that drive the narrative forward, transforming your characters in ways even they couldn't have comprehended before.
Subverting expectations: the anti-arc
While traditional character arcs generally follow this positive trajectory of growth and transformation, some stories benefit from subverting expectations and defying conventions (woohoo!).
Anti-arcs feature characters who resist change, remain stagnant, or even regress throughout the narrative (also known as negative character arcs). Think of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy who, driven by conflict between heart and duty, completes his character arc by transforming into the eiptome of all antagonists, Darth Vader.
What I'd suggest is, if you're a commercial genre-fiction author, subvert wisely. Be clear on your reasons for having either a flat character arc or negative arc, and make sure your character's resistance to positive change aligns with the story as a whole and thus feels like a natural outcome.
Book series writers have a little more flexibility; the protagonist will have a character arc that spans the whole series, but degrees of development usually still take place within each instalment.
Finally...
Crafting compelling character arcs is more than just a literary technique, it is the beating pulse by which your story is guided, and where you can create original and intriguing journeys of growth (or regression), redemption and transformation.
Mastering the art of character development opens the doors to limitless possibilities, gripping conflicts, important themes, and deep emotional connections between your readers and your books.
By delving deep into the inner lives of your characters, plotting their growth and transformation and weaving their arcs seamlessly into the narrative, your stories will be memorable and impactful, resonating with readers and leaving a lasting impression.
Will Storr, The Science of Storytelling (2019), William Collins, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, London
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Tina Williams of Fiction Yogi is a copyeditor and proofreader who works with writers at all stages, giving them the tools to improve their manuscript and level up their writing so they can meet their publishing goals.
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