We’ve all experienced it: a story that looks good on paper, features big-name characters, or starts with an intriguing premise—but somehow falls flat. Maybe the characters feel hollow, the plot drifts without purpose, or the ending lands with a thud. But what actually makes a story “bad”? Are there pitfalls you can look out for […]
June 30, 2025 by 14 Comments CharactersThe Secret to Writing Witty Characters (Without Trying So Hard)
There’s nothing like a sharp-tongued, quick-witted character to light up a scene—especially when the stakes are high or the tone is dark. From sarcastic sidekicks to roguish heroes, witty characters often steal the show. But when the humor feels forced or out of character, it can suck the life right out of a story. So […]
June 16, 2025 by 7 Comments CharactersHow to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 2 of 2)
One of the most exciting challenges in storytelling is writing characters who grow over time—not just within a single story, but across several. Whether you’re working on a series or revisiting a familiar protagonist in a new standalone, the question inevitably arises: How do you create different character arcs for the same character without repeating […]
June 9, 2025 by 7 Comments CharactersHow to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 1 of 2)
One of the most interesting challenges of writing a series is figuring out how to create different character arcs for the same character, without it feeling repetitive or forced. Whether you’re writing a progressive arc that unfolds over several books or you’re exploring entirely different arcs in each installment, the goal is always to keep […]
April 28, 2025 by 10 Comments CharactersThe Most Dangerous Arc: Breaking Down the Corruption Character Arc
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 17, 2025 by 39 Comments CharactersIs This the Alternative to the Monomyth We’ve All Been Searching For?
From KMW: If you’ve been following my work, you know how much I emphasize the power of Flat Arc archetypes in storytelling—characters like the Child, Lover, Ruler, Elder, and Mentor, who don’t undergo drastic change but instead remain true to their core nature, influencing the world around them. That’s why I’m excited to share today’s […]
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, […]
