The Easiest Way to Build a Character Arc

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the integral role of character arcs within story structure, emphasizing the importance of choices that drive character development. They dissect the Dan Harmon Story Circle, illustrating how characters' beliefs and choices at pivotal moments shape the narrative. The speaker uses examples from 'Star Wars' and 'The Martian' to demonstrate how characters' initial beliefs are challenged and altered, ultimately leading to personal growth or a flat arc where beliefs remain constant. The video aims to guide scriptwriters in plotting character arcs that align with story structure, ensuring a compelling and non-formulaic narrative.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The script discusses the importance of character arcs within story structure and how they are intrinsically linked to the narrative's progression.
• 🔍 It emphasizes the concept of 'choice' as a pivotal moment in character development, where characters are at a crossroads and must decide between different paths.
• 📚 The video references Dan Harmon's Story Circle as a framework for understanding character arcs, including the stages of 'want', 'unfamiliar situation', 'adapt', 'get', 'pay', and 'change'.
• 🤔 The presenter suggests that understanding a character's beliefs is crucial for plotting their arc, as these beliefs guide their choices and subsequent actions throughout the story.
• 🌟 The script illustrates how characters hold initial beliefs that are often challenged and changed through pivotal choices, leading to character growth.
• 📉 The 'pay' stage in the story is highlighted as a critical point where characters face consequences or realizations that force them to reassess their beliefs.
• 🛑 The video uses examples from films like 'Star Wars' and 'The Martian' to demonstrate how characters' beliefs evolve in response to the challenges they encounter.
• 🔄 The concept of a 'flat arc' is introduced for characters who do not undergo significant change, instead maintaining their original beliefs despite challenges.
• 🚀 The importance of creating unique and non-formulaic belief journeys for characters is stressed to avoid clichéd narratives and create more engaging stories.
• 📝 The script encourages writers to think deeply about the philosophical conflict and belief changes their characters will experience, rather than relying solely on plot or structure.
• 👍 The presenter offers one-on-one consultation for screenwriters to refine their screenplays, indicating a practical application of the discussed concepts.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the integration of character arcs within story structure, focusing on how characters change their beliefs throughout the narrative.

What is the Dan Harmon Story Circle mentioned in the script?

The Dan Harmon Story Circle is a popular storytelling framework consisting of eight steps: character, want, unfamiliar situation, adapt, get, pay, return, and change.

How does the script define a character's initial belief?

A character's initial belief is defined as the set of convictions they hold at the beginning of the story, which is usually tied to what they want and how they plan to achieve it.

What is the significance of 'choice' in character development according to the script?

Choice is significant in character development as it represents the crossroads where a character must decide between different paths, revealing more about their character based on the decision they make.

What happens at the 'get' stage in the story structure?

At the 'get' stage, the character achieves what they want, either exactly or a version of it, which may lead to a realization that their initial belief or goal needs to be reevaluated.

What is the 'pay' stage and how does it relate to character change?

The 'pay' stage is when the character faces the consequences or the price of getting what they wanted. It often presents a second choice that can lead to a change in the character's belief.

How does the script describe the process of a character arc?

The script describes a character arc as a journey where the character's beliefs are challenged and changed through a series of choices and experiences, culminating in a significant transformation.

What is the difference between a 'flat arc' and a 'change arc' as per the script?

A 'flat arc' is when a character does not undergo significant change, maintaining their original beliefs despite challenges. A 'change arc' involves the character changing their beliefs and growing as a result of the choices they make throughout the story.

Can you provide an example from the script where a character's belief changes?

An example given in the script is from 'Star Wars', where Luke Skywalker initially believes he can save the world by taking the ring to Rivendell, but later realizes he must continue the journey to destroy the ring himself.

What is the relationship between story structure and the character's belief journey?

The story structure provides the framework for the character's belief journey, with key moments in the structure prompting the character to make choices that lead to changes in their beliefs.

How does the script suggest avoiding a formulaic story?

The script suggests avoiding a formulaic story by focusing on a unique belief journey for the character that hasn't been seen many times before, thus creating a fresh and engaging narrative.