Character arc

A character arc describes how a character transforms internally throughout a story. When a narrative includes one, the character starts as one kind of person and, because of unfolding events, slowly becomes a different kind of person. This shift is often significant, moving from one personality trait to its opposite—like going from greed to generosity—which is why the term "arc" is used to suggest a sweeping change. In most stories, the lead character or protagonist is the one most likely to undergo this change, though supporting characters can also evolve. A key driver of many plots is that the main character initially struggles to overcome obstacles, perhaps due to a lack of skills, knowledge, resources, or allies. To succeed, they must change, often by learning new abilities, which leads to greater self-awareness or capability. This growth can happen through interacting with their surroundings, seeking help from mentors, shifting their perspective, or other means.

In stories with a three-part structure, character arcs typically develop alongside the narrative arc. During the first act, the arc is established or re-established for at least the protagonist, within the exposition of their world and relationships. Later, a dynamic incident—called the inciting incident or catalyst—confronts the protagonist. Their attempts to handle this lead to a more dramatic situation, the first turning point, after which life is never the same. This turning point raises a dramatic question, answered in the climax, framed as the protagonist's call to action (e.g., Will X recover the diamond?).

In the second act, or rising action, the character arc progresses as the protagonist tries to solve the problem from the first turning point, only to face worsening situations. This often forces them to learn new skills, discover hidden capabilities, and sometimes, late in the act, gain self-awareness.

In the third act—which includes the climax, falling action, and resolution—the narrative arc completes, but the character arc usually does not. During the climax, the story's main tensions peak, the dramatic question is answered, and the character reaches a point where they gain a new sense of who they are becoming. As the plot and subplots resolve, the arc shifts from learning skills or discovering capabilities to awakening a higher self-awareness, which changes who the character is becoming.

Examples from literature include Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, where the once-promising scholarly prince becomes a melancholic brooder after his father's death, showing a slow but deadly fall. In Dostoevsky's *Crime and Punishment*, Raskolnikov commits murder, then, after intense inner struggle, realizes he must be punished and turns himself in. Victor Hugo's *Les Misérables* features many transforming characters: Jean Valjean goes from a selfish, violent convict to a generous father, while Cosette changes from an abused, lonely child into a beautiful, caring woman. In Ursula Le Guin's *A Wizard of Earthsea* quartet, the protagonist shifts from an impulsive, arrogant youth to a stoic, wise man who reconciles with his inner darkness.

In film, *Tootsie* shows Dustin Hoffman's character starting as a misogynistic chauvinist, but after being forced to play a woman, he changes his view of women and becomes different by the end. In *Empire of the Sun*, Jim begins as a carefree boy, but after the Japanese take Shanghai and he is separated from his family, he suffers trauma from war. In *The Godfather* (1972), Michael Corleone initially rejects his father's crime business, but after his father is wounded, he becomes involved in a war of retribution, ironically becoming the Don. Its sequel, *The Godfather Part II* (1974), shows his fall from grace after attaining that status. In *Taxi Driver* (1976), Travis Bickle degenerates from a disturbed, disorganized veteran into an obsessive psychotic. In *Goodfellas* (1990), Henry Hill goes from a suave gangster to a paranoid wreck due to cocaine addiction. In *The Lion King* (1994), Simba changes from a naïve cub to a wise, compassionate king. In *Frozen*, Elsa begins embracing her ice powers, but after injuring her sister Anna, she becomes scared and sees herself as a monster; after Anna's sacrifice, she finally embraces her powers.