Hi, amazing writers! Since some of you may be asking, “What is a character arc?”, let’s kick this post off with a

Character Arc Definition:

A character arc is the way a character learns, grows, or changes over the course of the story.

Makes sense, right? When you’re creating character arcs, you’re recognizing that the character at the end of the story won’t be exactly the same as they were in the beginning. Both book editors and TV and movie producers like to see clear character arcs, and understanding them can make writing—and revising—a novel, story, or screenplay a whole lot easier.

But sometimes when you’re beginning a story, how to create a character arc is about the last thing on your mind. A certain premise, or even a certain mood, may have captured your imagination, but when it comes to planning character arcs, you’re not exactly sure how to start.

That’s why I created this list, which is basically a character arc generator. And if you’re still learning about this element of fiction, it may be helpful to have all these character arc examples!

While most character arcs are positive, remember that it’s also possible for someone to have a negative character arc or to become worse. (Sometimes this is referred to as a character corruption arc…or a villain origin story!) Any of the heroic character arcs here can be reversed.

1. The overcome their guilt over a tragedy and return to work or to battle…or let themselves love again.

2. They recognize their past wrongs and attempt to apologize and/or make amends.

3. They let down their guard so they can be close to a person, or to a group of people.

4. They give up on an unrequited love and move on with their lives.

5. They learn that they have a lot to be grateful for in their life, just as it is.

6. They start prioritizing their relationships over their career.

7. They become more disciplined and hard-working.

8. They gain or regain confidence.

9. They gain or regain spiritual faith.

10. They learn the truth about their family, company, community, or government and become disenchanted.

11. They learn to work with others instead of always being in charge.

12. They step up as a leader for the first time.

13. They let go of a long-held resentment or grudge.

14. They let go of moral scruples—lying, stealing, or even killing—in the service of what they believe is a greater cause.

15. They become highly skilled in battle.

16. They go from putting a cause first to putting the welfare of a certain person first.

17. They kick a habit or addiction.

18. They assimilate to a new lifestyle or society.

19. They become a congenial person who enjoys the company of others.

20. They overcome their pessimism and start looking on the bright side.

21. They embrace their innate identity.

22. They learn not to overthink everything and go with their gut instincts.

23. They leave behind a life of crime.

24. Once set in their ways, they become willing to try new things.

25. Once a warrior, they become a pacifist or someone who strives for peace.

26. They stop associating their worth with their family or their title.

27. They start being honest about their lives instead of maintaining a perfect facade.

28. They overcome their pride and ask for help.

29. They start paying attention to their own needs and desires, and not just their family’s or community’s.

30. They break a taboo or flout a societal norm in order to pursue their bliss.

31. They give up on making elaborate plans and go with the flow.

32. They go from faking an interest in something to actually feeling it.

33. They learn that they can’t trust everyone.

34. They stop trying to manage their children’s or their friends’ lives.

35. They become tougher or more resilient.

36. They learn to not take on more than they can handle.

37. They’re no longer willing to take big risks with their life because they have something to live for.

38. They go from being the prey to being the hunter.

39. They become loyal to someone they originally distrusted or despised.

40. They become more independent—financially, and/or in terms of decision-making.

41. After years of dating many people, none of them seriously, they decide to make a go of a serious romantic relationship.

42. They overcome a bias or prejudice.

43. They give up on civility and become rough and brutal.

44. They become a public figure.

45. In a conflict or a battle, they begin acting strategically rather than rashly.

46. They go from not being a fan of dogs, cats, or children to liking them.

47. They stop blaming other people and bad luck for all their problems and start taking accountability for their own actions.

48. They let go of an old dream to pursue a new one.

49. Once stingy, they become willing to spend money on loved ones, on their own enjoyment, and/or on good causes.

50. They start telling people what they really think.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list! And if you did, you’ll definitely want to check out my boxed set of books for writers, if you haven’t already!

If you have questions about writing character arcs, or if you want to talk about the arcs in your own stories, please share in the comments below—we’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!