K.M. Weiland is an award-winning author who specialises in analysing character arcs and structuring novels. In her book, Creating Character Arcs, Weiland describes and defines the three types of character arcs. These include Positive Change Arc, Flat Arc and Negative Change Arc. The book focuses on both character arcs and screenplay structure.
Each chapter is divided by an inspirational quotation by a well-established writer or filmmaker. Every chapter ends with a series of questions to ask yourself and reflect on your own characters and their arcs.
A Useful Guide
The book can be a useful guide to study the different types of character arcs. Or it can be helpful to choose a section depending on where your character fits in. It can also be used to encourage further research. For example, if the protagonist is following a Negative Change Arc, you can delve deeper into the character’s personality, traits, and flaws.
The type of arc the protagonist follows could uncover the real them and help the writer get to know their protagonist better. It can highlight layers to their personality or uncover new story ideas to where the protagonist’s journey will take them.
Weiland takes the reader through the structure of each arc and explains how to shape the protagonist’s narrative through the Three-act-structure and plot points. How these plot points are written and paced is dependent on the arc chosen for the character’s journey.
Each arc is supported with popular cinematic examples, from Classics – Jane Eyre to Hollywood blockbusters – Jurassic Park to Animations – Toy Story and the Marvel Cinematic Universe – Thor.
It is clear Weiland thoroughly researched character arcs and in turn produces a Bible-esque all-you-need-to-know on the subject. She also defines each of the arcs with film examples by placing the definitions and descriptions into practice.
Types of Arcs
The book is sectioned into four parts. Part One focuses on the Positive Change Arc and how to shape this arc using the three-act-structure and which plot points are required. Part Two focuses on the Flat Change Arc. Part Three focuses on the Negative Change Arc. And Part Four focuses on answering the popular questions which arise around Character Arcs.
Many points highlighted in the different arcs are ones which are already part of screenplays but it’s about being able to first identify these ideas; and then it’s about working out how to flesh out the core message of the screenplay through both character and structure. Character and Structure are highlighted as coming hand in hand together in a screenplay.
“When we say plot and character are integral to one another, what we’re really saying is that plot structure and character arc are integral to one another.” (p.16)
Weiland emphasises the clear distinction between what the character wants and what the character needs.
What the character wants is defined as:
“He’s trying to salve his inner emptiness with exterior solutions.” (p.34)
What the character needs is defined as:
“The thing your character needs is the truth. He needs the personalised antidote to his lie.” (p.35)
Examples & References
Scattered throughout the book, are references to other popular and classic works including The Writer’s Journey (Christopher Vogler), The Negative Trait Thesaurus (Angelia Ackerman and Bella Puglisi), Story (Robert McKee), Writing Screenplays That Sell (Michael Hause) and many others.
Other important aspects Weiland touches on are the ‘Character’s Ghost’, the ‘Characteristic Moment’ and shaping the ‘Normal World.’ Weiland’s portfolio of work includes Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel along with their Workbook versions. Other works include Writing Your Story’s Theme, 5 Secrets of Story Structure and a various array of Fiction novels.
One of the common FAQs to be asked is ‘Can a Character’s Arc be a Subplot?’ Weiland categorises three alternative Character Arc’s for characters that serve as a subplot. The three arcs include Shallow Arcs, Tangential Arcs and Extra Arcs. Other popular questions involve the Arcs of Impact Characters and Minor Characters to Character Arcs in TV Series.
Overall
Overall, Creating Character Arcs gifts the reader with an easy-to-follow informative guide. Its clear layout with sub-headings provides an easy read on an all-you-need-to-know Character Arc guide. Weiland produces a pure enthusiasm that is generated off the page right from the Introduction.
Everything about Character Arcs is uncovered and Weiland manages to make the reader easily feel attached to her every word. There’s a vast amount of knowledge shared, and each arc covered offers something for the reader to construct for their own protagonist. No matter the story, there’s something for everyone to take away in constructing the Character Arcs for their own stories.
You can find the Creating Character Arcs book here.
And the Workbook version here.
Also see K.M. Weiland’s websites here and here.
Hannah is an English graduate and freelance writer. She enjoys writing short stories, fiction, screenplays, and blog posts. Her favourite category of films is the Horror genre, and you’ll always find her reading.
