This article is truly one for my files. I struggle to create character arcs, but I’m in good company. I am new to your site, WITS, and I hope your excellent Blog posts continue.

Thank you, Denise!

Bob, I do not in any way wish to paint you with a wide brush and suggest that you might want to read/watch books/movies that are not true adventures -- men's fiction is often plot-driven, which can lead to stoicism. At least, it used to be that way. Now, we have the entire Marvel/DC Universe where Batman and Superman can fight and learn from each other, and where we can watch these characters try to "be better people." As such, I guess.

But a much older example is Paul Atreides in Dune. His character arc, from a naive, relatively innocent, cynic (meaning he doesn't believe he's "the one") to a battle-hardened warrior who takes on -- almost single-handedly -- an empire who wants him dead. And triumphs. Of course, he has supporters, but he has to prove himself to almost all of them.

Bottom line. There are lots of genre adventures -- which is what I'd call the mythical hero stories -- that have character arcs. You might look for them in the next story.

Thanks for the comment!

I write to entertain, and internal arc has puzzled me. I write fantasy, (retellings of Greek myths) and mystery/detective stories. (Gotta' have my heroes.) Their problems are largely external, and while they learn, the changes aren't life-altering (although sometimes the heroes think they're fundamentally changed.)

I've been concerned about what that lack may have on the reader's experience. It's reassuring to understand that some heroes don't change much in their stories, They either ride off into the sunset or take the next case. I do make sure that what they have learned has at least some impact on what and how they think. For example, one hero is redeemed by his actions, and another, a loner, finds a place in a community. Both carry internal burdens that are at least partially relieved by what they do in the story.

Thanks so much for this.

Thank you, Ellen! I have learned so much over the years from Baum's book and the movie -- I use both in my classes, from beginners to established writers, because it can teach us so much!

Indeed the journaling idea came from Dr. Diana Stout's CPE: CHARACTERS, PLOT, & EMOTION - This is a goldmine. I have a plethora of writing craft books, but this gem is only one of three I keep by my side!

Sorry for the late response but ... yes, life!
🙂

I don't have that book but am headed to Amazon now. 🙂 I'll also add it to my list of recommended books.

And, I'm looking forward to reading a blog post about it!