In storytelling, few arcs are as gripping—or chilling—as the Corruption Character Arc. In this arc, characters don’t just fall, they choose to fall (although, of course, they don’t generally think of it like that). Whether driven by fear, pride, or desire, they trade their integrity for a Lie, believing it will give them what they […]
April 21, 2025 by 28 Comments CharactersWriting a Fall Arc: How to Show a Character’s Moral Decline
When writing a Fall Arc, writers get to explore the slow, often heartbreaking process of moral or emotional decline. In this type of Negative Change Arc, the characters’ refusal to change or acknowledge their flaws becomes a central theme. They hold onto a Lie—a deeply ingrained belief or limited perception of the world—that drives their […]
April 14, 2025 by 17 Comments CharactersDisillusionment Arc in Storytelling: A Powerful Tool for Character Growth
The Disillusionment Arc is one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant transformations a character can undergo. At its core, this arc is about awakening—shedding comforting illusions to face a stark and often uncomfortable Truth. While it shares similarities with the Positive Change Arc, the Disillusionment Arc doesn’t always lead to a hopeful resolution. Instead, […]
March 31, 2025 by 16 Comments CharactersHow Writers Can Use the Four Stages of Knowing in Character Arcs
Great character arcs are built on transformation, and one of the most powerful frameworks for understanding this journey is the four stages of knowing in character arcs. These stages map a character’s growth through initiation to enlightenment to integration in a way that feels deeply satisfying to readers. Why? Because it is yet another way […]
March 3, 2025 by 17 Comments CharactersYour Character’s Three Choices: Character Goal Examples for Writers
Most writers understand that strong character goals are essential to a compelling story. But did you know that within every plot, three distinct types of goals shape every character’s journey? These are fundamental, primary, and secondary goals. In exploring these character goal examples for writers, you can gain a clearer understanding of how character, plot, […]
July 1, 2024 by 26 Comments CharactersEverything You Need to Know About the Lie the Character Believes
Hello, everyone, and welcome! In today’s post/podcast/video, we’re going to be talking about what is very possibly the single most important element of any successful story. And that is the Lie the Character Believes. The Lie the Character Believes is a mistaken or limited perspective the character holds at the beginning of the story which […]
March 25, 2024 by 15 Comments CharactersFrom Lead to Gold: The Alchemy of Character Arc With Carl Jung
Storytelling is a mystical crucible. Just as the ancient alchemists sought the transformation of base metals into gold, writers strive for the metamorphosis of their characters’ inner selves throughout the story. Alchemy, as explored through the lens of Carl Jung’s insights, can elevate your characters from the leaden weight of initial flaws to the gleaming […]
February 19, 2024 by 28 Comments BackstoryA Writer’s Comprehensive Guide to Backstory
Hello, welcome to Everything You Need to Know About Backstory! I’m K.M. Weiland, and you are listening to the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast or watching it because this is also a video post. This video is in answer to a question from SW, who asked: “I’m interested in how you figure out how to […]
January 8, 2024 by 32 Comments CharactersLessons From 2023: 5 Reflections on “Flat Arc” Periods
Welcome to 2024! And welcome to what has become a yearly tradition here at Helping Writers Become Authors. Every January, I write a New Year’s post in which I look back at the year that has passed and reflect on its major themes, lessons, and gifts. When I began this little ritual six years ago, […]
October 9, 2023 by 8 Comments CharactersHow to Use Archetypes in a Series
One of the most common questions I receive is how to use archetypes in a series. The short answer is: however you want! Archetypes are endlessly adaptable. However, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Most have to do with understanding the shape of the story you’re going to be telling over the […]
