Character Arcs
(or: how characters change over time)
- Characters are not meant to stay exactly the same from beginning to end.
If nothing changes, the story usually feels flat. - A character arc describes how and why a character changes as the story develops.
1. What is a character arc?
Definition
Character Arc
A character arc is the journey a character goes on from the start of the text to the end.
- It focuses on:
- who the character is at the beginning
- what challenges or conflicts they face
- how their traits, beliefs, or behaviour change
- In simple terms, a character arc answers this question:
How is this character different at the end compared to the start?
2. Why character arcs matter
- Character arcs:
- make characters feel realistic and human
- show the impact of conflict and experience
- help communicate the writer’s message or theme
- help audiences understand growth, failure, or consequences
- Often, the most important part of a story is not what happens, but how the character responds and changes.
3. Types of character arcs
Positive arc
- The character grows or improves.
Example
- a selfish character learns empathy
- a fearful character gains courage
Negative arc
- The character changes for the worse.
Example
- a kind character becomes bitter
- an ambitious character becomes ruthless
Flat arc
- The character does not change much, but changes others instead.
Example
- a morally strong character stays consistent while exposing flaws in others
Note
- Flat arcs are still powerful when the character’s beliefs are tested.
4. What causes a character arc?
- Character arcs usually happen because of:
- internal conflict (emotional struggle or doubt)
- external conflict (opposition from people, rules, or situations)
- repeated choices the character must make
- consequences that force reflection or change
- A character arc is built from decisions, not accidents.
5. Character traits and arcs
- Traits often start strong and then:
- soften
- strengthen
- break down
- or are replaced
- Tracking traits helps you see the arc clearly.
Example
- a proud character may learn humility
- an insecure character may gain confidence
- a guarded character may learn trust
6. Motivation and arcs
- Motivation often shifts over time.
- At the start, a character might want:
- safety
- approval
- control
- By the end, they may want:
- honesty
- freedom
- connection
Tip
- A change in motivation usually signals a turning point in the arc.
7. Using PEEL to analyse a character arc
You can analyse a character arc clearly using PEEL.
P: Point
- State how the character changes.
- What is different by the end?
Example
- Carl experiences a positive character arc, changing from a closed-off and bitter man into someone who is open to connection and growth.
E: Evidence
- Use:
- an early moment from the text
- a later moment showing contrast
Example
- At the beginning of the film, Carl is shown to be isolated and grumpy, refusing help and pushing others away. By the end of the film, he chooses to prioritise Russell, letting go of his house and embracing new relationships.
E: Explain
- Explain:
- what caused the change
- how conflict and motivation shaped it
Example
- This change occurs because Carl is forced to confront both internal conflict, caused by grief, and external conflict, caused by his journey and interactions with others. His motivation shifts from protecting himself from loss to seeking connection, showing emotional growth
L: Link
- Link to:
- the message of the text
- what the writer suggests about people or life
Example
- As a result, Carl’s character arc highlights the idea that personal growth often requires letting go of the past and being open to change, reinforcing the film’s message about healing and human connection.
Exam technique
- P: How does the character change from the start to the end?
- E: Where do we see the character at the beginning?
- E: Where do we see the character later, and what causes the change?
- L: Why does this change matter to the message of the text?
8. Now it's your turn...
Example question
- Scenario: growing into confidence
- A student begins secondary school feeling shy, uncertain, and nervous.
They struggle to speak up in class and avoid new situations. - Over time, the student:
- faces new challenges
- makes friends
- gains confidence
- becomes more willing to participate and express themselves
- This change forms a character arc.
- A student begins secondary school feeling shy, uncertain, and nervous.
- Your task
- Write one PEEL paragraph answering the question below.
- Question
- What character arc does this person experience, and what causes this change?
- You may write in first person (I) or third person (the student).
Solution
The person experiences a positive character arc, changing from a shy and uncertain student into a more confident individual. At the beginning, they avoid speaking in class and feel uncomfortable in new situations, but later they begin to participate more and build friendships. This change occurs because the student is repeatedly pushed to face challenges, and their motivation shifts from avoiding embarrassment to wanting connection and self-confidence. As a result, this character arc shows how personal growth often comes from experience and perseverance.
- P: Point
- Identify the character arc.
- Ask:
- How does the person change from start to end?
- Example Point ideas:
- The person experiences a positive character arc, changing from shy to confident.
- The character develops from feeling insecure to becoming more self-assured.
- E: Evidence
- Describe moments from the beginning and later stages.
- You might mention:
- avoiding participation at first
- hesitating to speak
- later joining activities
- speaking more confidently
- Example Evidence ideas:
- At first, the student avoids speaking in class and keeps to themselves.
- Later, they begin to participate and form friendships.
- E: Explain
- Explain what causes the change.
- Ask:
- What conflicts or challenges push them to grow?
- How does motivation change?
- Example Explain ideas:
- This change happens because the student faces repeated challenges that build confidence.
- Their motivation shifts from avoiding embarrassment to wanting connection and independence.
- L: Link
- Link to a bigger idea about people or growth.
- Ask:
- What does this arc show about change?
- Example Link ideas:
- As a result, the character arc shows how confidence can develop through experience.
- Overall, this situation highlights how stepping outside comfort zones leads to personal growth.
Exam technique
- Sentence starters for students
- The character experiences a character arc in which they change from… to…
- At the beginning of the text, the character is shown to be…
- Over time, this changes when…
- This suggests the character’s motivation shifts from… to…
- As a result, the character arc shows that…
