Character arcs are at the heart of every story. If the character doesn’t grow and change, how can the story move forward? This is something that I’ve struggled with in writing, up until recently, when I was studying Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for my English class. One of the concluding lessons examined the character arcs of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature, and broke these arcs down into four questions:

1. What does the character want?
2. What does the character do to achieve what they want?
3. Does the character get what they want? Why or why not?
4. How does the character respond to this as a result?

These questions are pretty straightforward, but let’s examine them one by one to give you a clearer idea of how to use this format.

What Does the Character Want?

This establishes the character’s main goal or desire. This could be something external (like fame, wealth, or revenge) or internal (like love, acceptance, or self-discovery). The strongest character arcs depend on a compelling and deeply rooted desire for something.

What Does the Character Do To Achieve What They Want?

This explores the character’s actions and choices throughout the story. Do they pursue their goals with determination and integrity? Do they go against their own morals? Do they have to make sacrifices? Their actions should reveal their personality, values, and how they navigate obstacles.

Does the Character Get What They Want? Why or Why Not?

This is crucial for a satisfying character arc:

• If the character achieves their goal, how does it impact them? Do they find satisfaction, or do they want more?
• If they fail, what does this teach them? Do they accept their limitations, or do they flip on their victim switch and become bitter?

How Does the Character Respond To This as a Result?

This delves into the character’s internal transformation:

• Have they grown as a person?
• Have they overcome a flaw or learned a life lesson?
• Are they noticeably different at the end of the story than they were when it started?

These four questions are definitely something to consider if you’re struggling to write a believable character arc. I hope that these explanations help you as you continue on your writing journey!