Creating Character Arcs by KM Weiland is a practical, insightful guide that breaks down the complex process of character development into accessible steps. As someone who’s studied storytelling techniques, I find Weiland’s approach particularly valuable for its clear structure and actionable advice.
Core concepts
The book centres on three main character arc types:
- Positive Change Arc: The character overcomes flaws to become better
- Flat Arc: The character remains steadfast, changing the world instead
- Negative Change Arc: The character fails to overcome internal obstacles and descends
Weiland structures these arcs around the concept of the “Lie” – a misconception or wound that the character believes about themselves or the world, which they must confront or overcome (in positive arcs) or succumb to (in negative arcs).
Strengths
What makes this book particularly useful is how Weiland breaks down each arc into specific story beats that align with traditional plot structure. She provides concrete examples from literature and film that illustrate these concepts in practice.
The book excels at showing how character development should interweave with plot development. Rather than treating character as separate from the plot, Weiland demonstrates how each plot point should create opportunities for character growth or regression.
What new authors can learn
New authors will benefit from:
- Structure and Framework: Clear guidelines for planning character evolution through a story
- Integration with Plot: Understanding how character moments align with plot points
- Psychology of Change: Insights into making character transformations believable
- Variety of Arcs: Tools for crafting different types of character journeys
- Practical Application: Exercises and questions to apply to your own characters
Is it useful?
Yes, the book is exceptionally useful, particularly for writers who:
- Struggle with making characters feel three-dimensional
- Find their stories lack emotional resonance
- Want to ensure character motivations drive the plot
- Need help structuring a character’s internal journey
The book’s systematic approach makes it especially helpful for plotters who prefer to plan ahead, though pantsers (discovery writers) will also find value in the principles even if they apply them during revision.
For new authors specifically, this book fills the gap between understanding basic character creation (personality traits, backgrounds) and crafting memorable character journeys that resonate with readers.
Overall, Creating Character Arcs stands as one of the most practical and applicable craft books available to fiction writers today.
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