Rags-to-riches stories result in the most common dramatic character arcs. But the best character arcs result in inner change, not just changes in circumstance.

Novel readers love it when a protagonist dramatically transforms from Page One to The End.

What is Character Arc?
Simply how your lead character moves from his status quo to become heroic.

That doesn’t mean he [and I use he inclusively to mean he or she] has to become a comic book superhero. It just means he develops new muscles by facing every obstacle — and failing until his predicament ultimately appears hopeless.

He develops skills and strength along the way, attempting overcome all these obstacles, until in the end he’s become a different person and can finally succeed.

The more challenges your main character faces the better. Bestselling novelist Dean Koontz recommends “plunging your character into terrible trouble ASAP.”

You’ll be tempted to show mercy on him. Don’t! Only the toughest challenges force your character to become heroic.

A Classic Example of Character Arc
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