Character arc
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A character arc is the status of the character as it unfolds throughout the story, the storyline or series of episodes. Since the definition of character arc centers on the character, it is generally equated as the emotional change of the character within the narrative. Characters begin the story with a certain viewpoint and, through events in the story, that viewpoint changes. Often this change is for the better, but it can also be for the worse or simply different. Character arc are most evident in character drama or in subplots. Some examples include:
- In Tootsie, Dustin Hoffman’s character begins as a misogynistic chauvinist but when he is forced to play the part of a woman, he also experiences a change in how he views women and becomes a different character by the end.
- In Empire of the Sun, Jim begins as a carefree young boy. After the Japanese take over Shanghai and he is separated from his family, he is forced to suffer trauma because of the war.
- In The Godfather, Michael Corleone at first does not want to have anything to do with his father’s crime business. When his father is attacked and barely survives, Michael realizes his love for his father and begins a war of retribution on those responsible.
Unlike a story arc, the character arc is not confined within the limits of one story. The character arc may extend over to the next story, a sequel, or another episode. In episodic TV series, the character arc has become the hook with which the writers use to ensure viewers continue watching.
- Over the course of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Anakin Skywalker goes from a protector of the Old Republic to becoming corrupted by Palpatine and, in the end, he becomes the villainous Darth Vader.
- In Smallville, Peter Ross learns of Clark Kent’s secret and over the season and the next, he finds out he could not keep up with the pressure of keeping his friend’s secret and leaves.
- In Gargoyles, the coming of age of Brooklyn is subtly portrayed as his difficulties in his personal life and his eventual promotion and adjustment to the clan's second in command position develop until they simultaneously come to a head when Goliath, Elisa and Bronx disappear on their world tour.
