How to Write Character Arcs for Your Manga (Easy Method) Direct Answers What is a character arc in a story? A character arc is how a character changes internally throughout a story due to external events. Characters can grow by changing their worldview or by strengthening their existing beliefs. There are four main ways a character can change. Their beliefs can start negatively and change positively, or start positively and change negatively. Why does a story need a character arc? A character arc is the soul of a story that makes the journey matter to readers. If a hero starts out perfect and all powerful, the plot is just a boring checklist with no struggle or suspense. However, if a character begins flawed, scared, or weak, every battle becomes a personal test. The plot challenges force them to confront their internal flaws. What are the main components of a positive change character arc? A positive change arc requires a character to overcome limiting beliefs to become a better person. This process involves core components that drive their internal journey. - The lie: A false belief the character holds about themselves or the world. - The want: A superficial, physical goal the character thinks will solve their problems. - The need: The internal truth the character must learn to defeat the lie. - The ghost: A painful backstory event that caused the lie. - The journey: The events that force them to change and accept the truth. How do you use reward and punishment to write a character arc? The easiest trick to writing a character arc is using a system of reward and punishment. When your character acts based on their lie, things should go badly for them. This punishment brings them closer to realizing their old ways are not working. They eventually reach a point where they have to let go of the lie. The Core of a Character Arc At the most basic level, a character arc is how a character changes throughout a story. It is the internal journey that occurs because of the external events that a character goes through. In the writing community, the term character arc refers broadly to any kind of change or growth a character has. The most important arc will come from the protagonist, but all major characters will go through one. The Four Types of Character Change There are two ways internally that your character can grow. They can change their worldview or beliefs, or they can strengthen their existing worldview. Writers call strengthening existing beliefs staying flat or steadfast. Each of these paths can happen in a positive or negative way. This leaves four main ways a character can change. Their beliefs can start negatively and change positively, or start positively and change negatively. Alternatively, their beliefs can remain or grow more positive. Finally, their beliefs can remain or grow more negative. Why Your Story Needs a Character Arc The character arc is the soul of your story. It is what separates a boring list of events from a journey that truly matters. If the hero starts out perfect, brave, and all powerful, their story is just a checklist. The reader feels absolutely nothing because victory was never in doubt. If your character starts out flawed, scared, arrogant, or weak, the plot becomes more than just a series of events. Every battle is now a personal test. The struggle is not just with the monster, but with themselves. When this flawed character fights through their internal demons to finally win, the victory feels earned. The Four Steps of a Positive Change Arc Most of the time in shonen manga, we see a positive change arc. This is when your hero starts with some limiting beliefs or a twisted worldview. Step one is identifying the lie your character believes. The lie is the story that your character believes about themselves or the world. Step two involves balancing what your character wants versus what they need. What they want is usually something physical outside of them, while the need is the internal truth that will fix the lie. Step three is establishing your character's ghost. The ghost is the backstory or sad event that haunts them and caused them to believe the lie. Step four is the journey of change. As your story goes on, your character will face challenges that push them to question their lie and eventually embrace the truth. Using Reward and Punishment The easiest trick to writing a character arc is using reward and punishment. When your character acts based on their lie, things should go badly for them. This punishment brings them closer to realizing their old ways are not working. When they start to act based on the truth, things should start to go better. Prince Zuko Character Arc Example Prince Zuko from Avatar the Last Airbender goes through a redemption arc, transitioning from a vengeful young man to a compassionate leader. His lie is that his self-worth and honor are entirely dependent on his father's approval. Zuko's ghost is the brutal event where his father burned his face and banished him for speaking out of turn. His want is to capture the Avatar to restore his honor and return home. His need is to learn the truth that his honor comes from his own choices, not his father. The plot forces Zuko to change through a clear pattern of rewards and punishments. After capturing his want by betraying his uncle, Zuko gets a false victory and is more miserable than ever. He finally rejects the lie, sides with the Avatar, and fully embraces his need to do what is right.