16 Types of Character Arcs Explained
Direct Answers
What are the four main categories of character arcs?
Character arcs are split into four main categories based on how the character changes or remains the same throughout the story.
- Positive change arcs where characters overcome flaws and learn truths.
- Positive flat arcs where characters hold strong beliefs that inspire others.
- Negative change arcs where characters progressively decline and embrace a lie.
- Negative flat arcs where characters have harmful traits and refuse to change.
What is a positive change character arc?
A positive change arc happens when a character starts out flawed by believing a lie about themselves or the world. Through the events of the story, they confront this lie and learn a truth.
This process allows them to become a better version of themselves. Examples include redemption arcs, coming of age arcs, and recovery arcs.
How does a positive flat arc work in a story?
In a positive flat arc, a character already possesses strong positive beliefs and values at the beginning of the story. Instead of changing who they are, their values are tested in tough situations.
They stay true to themselves and work to change the world around them or inspire others to see things differently.
What defines a negative change character arc?
A negative change arc involves a character who starts in a relatively neutral or positive state. Due to their own flaws, poor choices, or difficult circumstances, they progressively decline over the course of the story.
They eventually embrace a lie and become a worse version of themselves, often ending in corruption, despair, or madness.
In This Cluster
Protagonists & Antagonists
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Villains
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- How to Write a Villain Redemption Arc in 5 Steps
Character Writing
- How to Write Character Backstories That Strengthen Your Story
- How to Write Side Characters in 3 Steps
- How to Write a Mentor Character That Isn't Boring
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- 3 Ways to Ruin a Male Character (And How to Avoid Them)
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Character Arcs
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Relationships & Dynamics
Positive Change Arcs
This is where the character starts out flawed, believing a lie about themselves or the world. Through the story's events, they confront this lie, learn a truth, and become a better version of themselves.
Number one is the redemption arc. This character begins as someone who is selfish, mean, or just plain wrong.
Things happen that make them question what they believe, and they start to feel empathy for others. Even though it is hard, they choose to do good instead of bad and work to fix their past mistakes.
Number two is the growth or coming of age arc. They begin as someone who is innocent, unskilled, or stuck in childish ways of thinking.
As the story unfolds, they face challenges, learn from their mistakes, and get advice from mentors. By the end, they have grown into a mature, capable person ready to take on bigger roles.
Number three is the realignment arc. These characters begin as someone who sees the world in black and white.
Reality hits hard, throwing their beliefs into chaos, but they look inward and rebuild a wiser, more realistic worldview. They understand that life is complicated but choose to move forward with purpose and positivity.
Number four is the recovery arc. They begin as someone who is broken and hurting from past events.
They acknowledge their pain, seek help, and form healthy relationships to find new meaning in their life. By the end, they have healed and developed a sense of purpose from what they survived.
Number five is the acceptance arc. This character begins in denial, resisting the truth of their unchangeable situation.
They are repeatedly forced to confront the truth and slowly let go of false hopes. They reach a place of acceptance, finding peace and gaining strength from learning to live with their reality.
Positive Flat Arcs
In these arcs, characters already have strong positive beliefs and values. Their values are tested in tough situations, but they do not change who they are.
Instead, they stay true to themselves and work to change the world around them or inspire others.
Number six is the steadfast hero or the inspiration arc. This character is confident in their beliefs, even when others doubt or challenge them.
They face severe tests but refuse to compromise, becoming a moral compass that inspires hope and action. By the end, their core values are proven strong, and they make a positive impact on the world.
Number seven is the mentor arc. These are the characters who are already wise and experienced.
They support the protagonist by teaching, offering advice, and sometimes making sacrifices to help them succeed. Their purpose is fulfilled when the protagonist learns what they need to learn.
Number eight is the testing of faith or conviction arc. This character begins with an unwavering belief or principle that guides their life.
They face extreme challenges, doubt, and suffering designed to make them abandon their belief. By the end, their belief stays intact and grows even deeper because of the tests they survived.
Negative Change Arcs
In these arcs, characters start in a relatively neutral or even positive state. Due to flaws or circumstances, they progressively decline, embracing a lie and becoming a worse version of themselves.
Number nine is the fall from grace or corruption arc. This character begins as someone admirable, likable, or relatable.
A critical flaw is exposed, leading them to cross moral lines and lose the trust of those who stood by them. By the end, they become morally corrupt, villainous, or completely broken.
Number ten is the disillusionment or despair arc. This character starts with big dreams, ideals, or hope for the future.
Their ideals are crushed by hard truths, and they fail to find a constructive way forward. They are consumed by bitterness and apathy, acting destructively or simply giving up completely.
Number eleven is the madness arc. This character becomes consumed by an intense focus on a goal, person, or idea.
Their obsession overrides logic and morality, causing them to make choices that spiral out of control. By the end, they are completely lost to their obsession and leave devastation in their wake.
Number twelve is the cyclical arc. This character wants to change but is stuck in a repeating cycle of harmful patterns.
They put effort into breaking free, but triggers and external pressures pull them back into their old ways. They remain trapped in the cycle, feeling more frustrated and hopeless than before.
Number thirteen is the superficial change arc. Extreme outside forces push this character to adopt a new way of life to survive.
They adapt outwardly to avoid punishment but deeply resent it on the inside. This forced change creates new inner conflict and often becomes a lie they live that leads to future problems.
Negative Flat Arcs
These characters have significant negative traits or a harmful worldview. Despite opportunities to change, they remain static in their negativity.
Number fourteen is the steadfast villain or antagonist arc. This character starts off already evil, corrupt, or deeply committed to a destructive ideology.
They actively work against the protagonist and reject any chances for redemption. By the end, they are usually defeated, but their core beliefs remain unchanged.
Number fifteen is the cautionary tale arc. This character has flaws and is given chances to grow or learn from their mistakes.
Because of stubbornness, they keep repeating the same errors and piling up negative outcomes. They face serious consequences, showing what happens when someone refuses to learn from their mistakes.
Number sixteen is the bigot arc. This character has a deeply hateful belief system and refuses to change.
When confronted with truths or alternative perspectives, they reject them outright and double down on their harmful ideology. They end up isolated or defeated, serving as a symbol of intolerance.
You can use one of these sixteen character arcs to guide your character's journey when writing your manga, comic, novel, or webtoon.