How to Write Fantasy Character Arcs Better than 99% of Writers

The speaker introduces the concept of fantasy characters being memorable due to their character arcs rather than their magical abilities or settings. They emphasize that a captivating character arc creates emotional investment in readers, transforming characters into three-dimensional people. The speaker surveyed 300 fantasy writers who struggle with believable character arcs and has developed a system to address these challenges based on their extensive experience in writing and coaching.

The speaker highlights five common mistakes new fantasy writers make with character arcs: lack of believability and realism, unsubtle demonstrations of change, lack of cohesion with plot and themes, making characters too unlikable initially, and lacking uniqueness and surprise in characters' journeys. They explain that plot and character are intertwined, exemplified through various archetypes and the need for subtlety and integration with the overall story.

Addressing the issue of character likability, the speaker suggests ensuring characters have redeemable traits to maintain reader interest, even if they start with flaws. They discuss the predictability of character arcs in fantasy, explaining that readers often anticipate familiar patterns and appreciate when the journey is surprising yet inevitable. The speaker uses examples like Harry Potter to illustrate fulfilling story promises while delivering unexpected details.

Introducing the three types of character arcs—positive, negative, and flat—the speaker explains each type with examples. Positive arcs depict character growth towards fulfillment, negative arcs show a character's downfall, and flat arcs demonstrate how a stable character affects the world around them. Examples include Bilbo Baggins (positive), Cole Shivers (negative), and Ned Stark (flat) to showcase different narrative outcomes.

The speaker outlines five core components of a character arc: the ghost (a past event shaping current behavior), the lie (a misconception stemming from the ghost), the want (an external goal linked to the lie), the need (an accurate realization overcoming the lie), and the truth (the lesson the character ultimately embraces). These elements are crucial in structuring believable character transitions.

Delving deeper into the components, the speaker discusses how the 'ghost' could be a positive or negative past event impacting the character's current trajectory. They address the formation of the 'lie' as a misguided belief, leading to flaws and fears. Examples of lies include beliefs of unworthiness or distrust. They emphasize the importance of world-building in reinforcing these beliefs and shaping character evolution.

The speaker explores the 'want,' an external desire often driven by the lie, and introduces the 'axis of desire' tool to help writers determine characters' goals and potential subplots. They then discuss the 'need,' the internal realization characters must have to overcome their lies, with potential archetypes for needs provided. The distinction between wants and needs is crucial for character development.

The speaker concludes the arc-building discussion by illustrating the 'truth,' the ultimate understanding that vanquishes the lie and fulfills the need. Truths provide resolution but can also introduce new questions for subsequent stories. Various examples of truths are given to inspire writers. The speaker credits the development of this structured approach to C.S. Lakin's book, while emphasizing their own adaptations.

For structuring positive, negative, and flat arcs, the speaker offers detailed patterns: positive arcs evolve from lie to truth, negative arcs descend from truth to lie, and flat arcs maintain truth while impacting the surroundings. They highlight Bilbo Baggins as an example of a positive arc, Cole Shivers for negative, and Ned Stark for flat, illustrating the varied nature of character journeys.

Discussing series arcs, the speaker outlines how characters can go through different arc types throughout a series, such as a positive arc followed by flat arcs, while emphasizing the importance of evolving challenges to avoid stagnation. These arcs can offer varying narratives while maintaining character continuity and development, as exemplified by series like 'The Way of Kings' and 'Dune.'

The speaker transitions to how character arcs tie into story structure, recommending their own nine-point story structure. They highlight the importance of outlining character arcs early, which prevents structural issues and enables creativity within the framework. The speaker shares their personal evolution as a writer and the benefits of their structured approach developed over 12 years and four published novels.

The talk discusses integrating character arcs into plots using their nine-point structure, ensuring cohesion between arcs and story events. They illustrate each structural point—from the hook to the closing image—with examples from works such as 'The Hobbit,' 'Best Served Cold,' and 'A Game of Thrones,' showing how each phase reflects character growth and thematic development.

Regarding the 'hook,' the speaker advises starting with a unique characteristic moment, establishing characters' flaws or desires, and introducing rooting interests to engage readers. They offer five ways to achieve this: sympathy, skill, personality, progression, and a worthy cause, all illustrated with examples like Harry Potter and Indiana Jones, reinforcing the need for a compelling start.