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Post by HDSimplicityy on Aug 27, 2024 23:15:17 GMT -6
As I realize that my novel's MC needs a stronger character arc, I came across this in a google search: www.dabblewriter.com/articles/character-arc-templateYes, it seems basic. But for some of us who are newbs, and haven't figured it out before pantsing a draft. this explains things cleanly. For example, Im learning that my character needs 1) a good flaw and 2) needs to be bold by making a critical error in order to then recover from it. Thoughts? |
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Post by Alatariel on Aug 28, 2024 13:36:04 GMT -6
As I realize that my novel's MC needs a stronger character arc, I came across this in a google search: www.dabblewriter.com/articles/character-arc-templateYes, it seems basic. But for some of us who are newbs, and haven't figured it out before pantsing a draft. this explains things cleanly. For example, Im learning that my character needs 1) a good flaw and 2) needs to be bold by making a critical error in order to then recover from it. Thoughts? I agree! I saw these flaws (not flaws-flaws, but issues) with my character arcs, too. I needed more bold choices that led to a problem, and I needed a flaw they could learn to overcome or accept about themselves. A few I see overdone in annoying ways: stubborn, impulsivity, lack of communication skills, ego/arrogance/over-confidence. Then I see the mistakes they make as: not listening to their cohorts, making snap decisions, keeping secrets or making assumptions, believing they're the only one who can Do The Thing. I've seen these tropes played out on so many shows and in so many movies and in so many book series, it's exhausting. I'd love to see more: imposter syndrome but still does what they need to do while feeling insufficient, the over-communicator, someone with trust issues who's VERY open about those issues and is actively working on it, someone who does have ALL the skills but those skills are useless against the Big Problem of the story (like the character is Superman but the issue is a mental health crisis, none of his powers can do anything about it). |
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Post by saintofm on Aug 30, 2024 15:27:20 GMT -6
Covering basics is always a good idea. We have all heard Write What you Know and Show Don't Tell, but how many of us know them? This is likewise a good introduction to this for newbies
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Post by RAVENEYE on Sept 1, 2024 15:44:07 GMT -6
Ooo, nice article! I had been calling my MC's issue a Wound. I hadn't heard it referred to as "Ghost" before. Love it.
Hehe, that opening line: "Here, have a character arc template." Even if you don't read this article, have this freebie. Pretty cool.
Actually, I love this article so much, I gonna print if off and stick it into my copy of Writing Archetypal Character Arcs.
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Post by HDSimplicityy on Sept 3, 2024 23:02:49 GMT -6
Ive forgotten to reply to this in depth. Ill get back to ya when I can!
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Post by HDSimplicityy on Sept 4, 2024 20:35:09 GMT -6
One aspect that this worksheet makes clearer is making the character arc clear. We tend to get lost in the possibilities and make them complicated. This shooould help in that regard. Hmm yes, it will.
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You add them to your profile as you do them around the forum.
