by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

I opened the manuscript and began to read. Nice description, story seemed interesting but two chapters in, I still knew nothing about the protagonist. What happened? The writer had laid some good building blocks, but what happened to the protagonist.

The best way I can explain this was that the protagonist went flat. There were so many facts about the character missing that I couldn’t connect. Instead, I saw a potentially good character with bricks tied to his feet and he was sinking.

Planning a good character arc will make or break your novel. There are multiple ways to set a character arc in place but let’s begin with what is a character arc. A character arc refers to the internal transformation a character undergoes from the beginning to the end of the story. When a story features a character arc, the character typically starts out as one type of person and gradually evolves into a different one as the plot unfolds. There is a definite change or shift in personality or values. For example, a character may move from being selfish to becoming extremely generous. This is why the term “arc” is used to show the sweeping nature of the change.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=”#Writing #Writingtips #BRMCWC”]Tips for Writers to Develop a Character Arc by @CindyDevoted on @BRMCWC[/tweet_box]

Main characters and protagonists are usually the ones who experience the most noticeable arcs, though supporting characters can also grow and change. In many stories, the plot revolves around a central character who initially struggles to overcome external challenges. These difficulties may stem from a lack of knowledge, skills, or support, but for the character to rise above hardship, they must evolve—change. This happens when the character learns new abilities or their perspective changes. Perhaps they come to a deeper understanding of a situation or themselves.

A good character arc allows the writer the opportunity to know their character fully. When you understand who your character is and what their lives consist of you can then add in the angst that might attack their weaknesses and spur amazing problem solving. To accomplish this, sit down with your coffee and interview your character. Begin with asking basic personal information.

• Name, nationality, spouse
• Where do you currently live and why here?
• Who is your best friend and what denotes your worst enemy?
• What are your favorite foods, books, possession?

Knowing this basic personal information helps the writer know the types of people their character would keep company with and who they would avoid. This opens the door for unique hardships and angst with individuals. Remember, angst pushes the story forward.

Next you might consider adding things like personal history or life events that may have played into pivotal moments. You might consider learning about the character’s worldview, religion, work and even hobbies. All these things provide a deeper insight to your character and help you develop scenarios and moments that push hard at your protagonist.

Dig a bit deeper and find out what your character’s goals, ambitions, desires and motives are. Ask them what they want? This is important in developing your characters. Knowing what the character wants helps you develop a solid plot around them.

The point is you should know your character like you know your best friend. It’s also important that you note their weaknesses and faults as well. A perfect character has no room for growth and they come across as fake. As you develop your character, build in these flaws. Allow your protagonist to be tempted and to even fail or fall to temptation and then, allow them to suffer the consequences of their decisions.

Today’s younger readers demand truth and honesty in characters. I think this is because they want to see it in their real-life relationships. Don’t be afraid to make your protagonist, or all your characters, be vulnerable but allow them to grow and change as they work their way through issues.

Allow your reader to see a touch of the backstory of your character. Just a line or a short paragraph, not paragraphs or pages. Just a hint that allows the reader enough explanation to help them form an informed decision about the characters.

How does your character talk, sound, and phrase lines. I write Appalachian historical and it’s vital to the story that readers “hear” my characters. Ain’t nothin’ worse than not understandin’ who a body is.

Once again, pour on conflict. Allow your character to react genuinely to the angst, make decisions, right or wrong, when pressed into a corner. Give them internal conflict as well as external. Moral disputes can weigh heavy on a character.

Finally, what keeps your character up at night? What are his secrets? His urges? Fears? If you are unsure, draw on your own experiences.

Remember “show don’t tell.” No reader wants a grocery list of attributes to read. Let them see how the character reacts, hear what he says, and react accordingly. Conduct the necessary research you need to accurately portray your character. Don’t go on what you see in the movies. Pay attention to the details.

Becoming aware of all these details will help you develop a character arc that you can write confidently into your novel. Practice makes perfect, so practice talking out loud to your characters. Hear what they have to say and then write those things.

Should a loved one walk in on one of your imaginary conversations, then invite them into the conversation. You’d be surprised what can develop besides a visit to a psychiatrist. All these things work into the making of a real and amazing character, a character your reader can relate to and one they cannot forget.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and www.christiandevotions.us, as well as www.inspireafire.com. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning, best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com or www.wramsforwriters.com.