JOURNAL ARTICLE

Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development, K. M. Weiland (2016).

  • Published In: Journal of Screenwriting, 2024, v. 15, n. 1. P. 93 1 of 3

  • Database: Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hayes, Terrie Bear 3 of 3

Abstract

The article reviews *Creating Character Arcs: The Masterful Author's Guide to Uniting Story Structure, Plot, and Character Development* by K. M. Weiland, which presents a framework distinguishing three types of narrative arcs: the Positive Change Arc, the Flat Arc, and the Negative Change Arc. Each arc is defined by the protagonist's relationship to an internal False Belief (the Lie) and an Outer Truth, structured through key plot beats such as the First Plot Point, Midpoint, and Climax. The Positive Change Arc involves a protagonist who overcomes a false belief to embrace truth, the Flat Arc features a protagonist who remains steadfast in their truth while transforming the world around them, and the Negative Change Arc depicts a protagonist who succumbs to the lie, resulting in a tragic outcome. Weiland's approach aims to clarify character motivation and its integration with plot and theme, using examples from well-known films and literature to illustrate each arc type.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Screenwriting. 2024/03, Vol. 15, Issue 1, p93
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Psychology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:1759-7137
  • DOI:10.1386/josc_00146_5
  • Accession Number:176697609
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