Many writers believe once they have their basic plot points in place, their stories are destined to succeed. But many narratives fall flat between those plot points and lose their audience before the big finish. Engaging the audience and moving the story forward in every scene is the responsibility of the characters, not the plot. But while many books on the craft of writing state that characters need to be three dimensional and change, a beginning writer isn't always sure how to turn these rather abstract ideas into concrete craft on the page. Crafting the Character Arc offers a practical guide to character creation and development by expanding upon the concept of the character arc and creating a step-by-step guide for writers to ensure that their characters are dynamic and engaging. Using narrative examples from multiple platforms, including novels, films and games, this is the essential guide for helping writers create an active and well-defined character arc. Crafting The Character Arc is structured in three main parts. Part One covers the more traditional, basic approach to creating character, including personality traits, depth, secrets, goals versus emotional needs, active versus reactive protagonists, and dramatic functions. Part Two introduces the Major Dramatic Curve, a detailed pictorial representation of a character arc and its major elements: place of rest, inciting incident, rising action, crisis point, climax and falling action/resolution. Part Three offers practical applications of the Major Dramatic Curve. The writer is given guidance for using the curve to create a dynamic and engaging narrative work. Lastly, some variations in using the Major Dramatic Curve are explored and exceptions to the rules are addressed. Character Arcs are a critical part of every story making this guide applicable to multiple mediums: novels, short stories, films, TV, games, plays, and Web series.

Powerful Character Arcs Create Powerful Stories. Have you written a story with an exciting concept and interesting characters-but it just isn't grabbing the attention of readers or agents? It's time to look deeper into the story beats that create realistic and compelling character arcs. Internationally published, award-winning novelist K.M. Weiland shares her acclaimed method for achieving memorable and moving character arcs in every book you write. By applying the foundation of the Three-Act Story Structure and then delving even deeper into the psychology of realistic and dynamic human change, Weiland offers a beat-by-beat checklist of character arc guidelines that flexes to fit any type of story. This comprehensive book will teach you: How to determine which arc-positive, negative, or flat-is right for your character. Why you should NEVER pit plot against character. Instead, learn how to blend story structure and character development. How to recognize and avoid the worst pitfalls of writing novels without character arcs. How to hack the secret to using overarching character arcs to create amazing trilogies and series. And much more!Gaining an understanding of how to write character arcs is a game-changing moment in any author's pursuit of the craft. Bring your characters to unforgettable and realistic life-and take your stories from good to great!

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Plot, in its simplest form, is all about the protagonist’s thwarted goal. He wants something, and he can’t have it, so he keeps trying. The Positive Change Arc is all about the protagonist’s changing priorities. He realizes the reason he isn’t getting what he wants in the plot is because either he wants the wrong thing or his moral methods for achieving what he wants are all wrong. #2 The Change Arc is about the Lie Your Character Believes. It begins with your character being incomplete in some way, and he must evolve into a better person because of it. He must start out with a reason that makes the change necessary. #3 Your character’s Lie is a specific belief that you should be able to state in one short sentence. It may include some qualifiers, similar to Jane Eyre’s. #4 The Lie is the fundamental belief that prevents your character from moving on and living a happy life. It is usually a product of the conflict, and your character may be aware of the symptoms of the Lie in his life, but he may not yet be able to recognize the Lie itself.

Uncover the Secrets to Creating Characters Readers Will Never Forget Award-winning author K.M. Weiland's previous book, the acclaimed Creating Character Arcs, showed writers how to identify the five most important types of character arcs and use them to bring your own characters to life with stunning and powerful realism. Now it's time to put those lessons to use! Building upon the principles you've already learned, the Creating Character Arcs Workbook presents a guided approach to choosing the right type of character arc for your story, joining plot and character into a cohesive and resonant whole, and choosing stories with life-changing themes. Containing hundreds of incisive questions and imagination-revving exercises, this valuable resource will show you how to: Write an inspiring Positive Change Arc Create one of three unforgettable Negative Change Arcs Take full advantage of a heroic Flat Arc Align the structure of your character arcs with that of your plot Revise a story that has no arc And so much more! This accessible and streamlined workbook will empower you to create resonant character arcs-and an outstanding novel. Start writing your best book today!

“The most complete and comprehensive guide to character I've ever read." Adam Croft Character is at the heart of every story. We love stories because we fall in love with characters, we want to see what happens to them and we want to see them experience hope and despair. International Emmy nominated writer, Mark Boutros, offers a guide to creating characters who are engaging, emotionally driven and memorable. With experience as a screenwriter, novelist, creative writing teacher and mentor, Mark shares a mixture of theory and creative writing exercises to get you thinking about the questions to have in your mind during character creation. A lot of stories are perfectly functional, hitting all the right beats, but often fall short due to a thin or obvious character. Problems people think are related to plot are often symptoms of a deeper issue with the characters. Mark highlights what is at the core of character, the importance of motivation, trauma, obstacles and how every little detail can enrich an experience for an audience and ultimately make people care. How do you get to know people? By asking questions and getting to know them so you move past the shallow. Do the same during character development and your story will be so much more engaging for it. Each chapter focuses on an aspect important to character development and ends with exercises so you can apply the concepts to your work and write better characters. The book includes: - Goals, desires, lessons - Stakes to your character’s goal - Character flaws - Developing your character’s voice and world view - Generating truthful obstacles - How to write anti-heroes and compelling villains - Character and personality traits - Common mistakes in character writing - Character research - A character questionnaire The majority of the ideas originate from the author’s screenwriting experience, but they apply to all forms of story, whether it be fiction writing or playwriting, because the focus is on what really makes a character stand out and memorable. The job of the writer is to deliver an emotional experience. Character is the heart of that. If you're looking for a book to help you to improve your screenplay writing, fiction writing, or play writing then this is for you. An invaluable tool for beginner and experienced writers. This is perfect for anyone interested in screenwriting books, fiction writing books, or character development books. Praise for The Craft of Character: “Would 100% recommend not only for beginners, but also for experienced writers looking to get to know their characters better. A bit like writer-character therapy.” reader review “Both the chapters and the exercises are easy to understand and get through. Mark Boutros clearly knows his stuff and seems happy to be able to help the reader, rather than becoming lecturing and elitist. The structure of the book also means that it is easy to dip back into, when you come across a specific problem, and as such it is a great little reference book, which any aspiring storyteller would benefit from.” reader review “Normally, I find myself arguing with the author of craft books, but here I would say 90% of what I read were things I either found helpful, or flat out agreed with whole heartedly and just needed a reminder on why these things are important. The exercises were a excellent touch, especially as someone who is teaching writing, it gave me ideas on what to do for my students.” reader review

This story writing guide will help beginners to expand their knowledge of stories, create deep and relatable characters, craft vibrant story worlds, and give readers meaningful story experiences. Learn to break-down, outline, and deliver a story of any length. Craft great scenes that drive the story forward and provide a page-turning experience that will keep readers hooked and wanting more. It is a substantial next step towards improving your story writing. Beginners and experienced writers alike will benefit from and enjoy Your First Story Writing Guide!

Transform your story with a character your readers will remember long after they've turned the last page When you think of unforgettable characters from books you've read, who comes to mind? James Bond, Harry Potter, Scarlett O'Hara, Elizabeth Bennett, Atticus Finch, Sherlock Holmes? These are just some of the most iconic characters in fiction. They are so memorable that even decades or centuries later, they still captivate our imagination. But what exactly is it about them that keeps readers through generations so invested in them? Despite their vast differences in age, gender, nationality, occupation, and personality, each of them has a special quality that makes us want to know them more. Whether it's James Bond's suave demeanor, Scarlett O'Hara's haughty vulnerability, or Atticus Finch's righteousness, we're hooked. Do you want to know how you too can create your own unforgettable characters that your readers will be dying to read about? Yes, it's rare to write such timeless characters - even some bestselling authors don't have widely recognizable protagonists. However, it's entirely possible to write characters that resonate strongly with your readers - and get them hooked on your story - no matter how new you are to the game. Writers apply certain rules and tricks with their characters to make their stories shine and keep their audience engrossed. And with this guide, you'll find out exactly what they are. In The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs, here is just a fraction of what you will discover: How your characters can make or break your story - and what you can do to make your characters more compelling 10 simple tricks to add more excitement to your plot without veering away from your main story How to take advantage of plot and structure to help develop your protagonist's journey The worst thing you can do for your character that will immediately make them unappealing and uninteresting How to make your readers relate to - and root for - an unlikable character A fun yet insightful exercise in character building that can help you make sure all your characters have their own unique individual personalities 2 letters that will speed up your writing process without sacrificing quality And much more. Writing your first story (or your latest one) can be intimidating. The stakes seem to be higher when writing down words rather than just saying them out loud. But remember that you're allowed to make mistakes, change things up, delete, and add to your story however many times you need to. Plus, with the techniques from this guide at your disposal, you can approach your writing with more confidence. Sometimes, all you need to do is get started... and the ideas will just keep flowing from there. If you want to take your stories to the next level, then scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button right now.

From cardboard cut-out to superhero in 10 steps. Are you fed up of one-dimensional heroes? Frustrated with creating clones? Does your protagonist fail to capture your reader's heart? In 10 Steps To Hero, you'll discover: + How to develop a killer character arc + A step-by-step guide to creating your hero from initial concept to final page + Why the web of story connectivity is essential to crafting a hero that will hook readers + The four major pitfalls to avoid as well as the tropes your story needs Finally, there is a comprehensive writing guide to help you create your perfect protagonist. Whether you're writing your first story or you're a professional writer, this book will help supercharge your hero and give them that extra edge. These lessons will help you master your charming knights, navigate your way to the perfect balance of flaws and traits, as well as strengthen your hero to give your story the conflict and punch it needs. First, there were villains, now there are heroes. If you like dark humor, learning through examples, and want to create the best hero you can, then you'll love Sacha Black's guide to crafting heroes. Read 10 Steps To Hero today and start creating kick-ass heroes.

Do your characters fail to bring your story to life? Are they flat, boring or have no depth? Is your story lacking a little cohesion or sparkle? In 8 Steps to Side Characters: How to Craft Supporting Roles with Intention, Purpose, and Power, Sacha Black showed writers how to breathe life into their characters in an easy to follow and humorous, step-by-step guide. This workbook puts those lessons to use by building on each chapter in textbook, and guiding you through the development of your characters. Inside the workbook you’ll find hundreds of thought provoking questions, exercises and creativity boosting prompts. This resource will help you: + Create side characters from the ground up that will bring your story alive + Understand the main types of side characters and what you should do with them + Learn how to craft character depth that hooks readers + Harness your character voices to deepen your reader's experience + Utilize details to enhance characterization + Implement methods for killing characters that will help deepen plot, theme and story + Find ideas for creating conflict with your side characters + Use vital tactics for differentiating characters and making them feel real to your reader + Avoid the most common pitfalls and mistakes with characters Read 8 Steps to Side Characters Workbook today and start creating kick-ass sentences.

CHARACTER ARCS show the events of our story are worth reading about. In most works of fiction, the major characters don't just experience the events of the plot--the story changes them. They learn and grow, ultimately succeeding at the climax of the story because of all they've gained. Even the greatest plot in the world can ring flat if the character's internal journey isn't dramatic enough. For a character to truly resonate with readers, he should change and grow over the course of the story. CHARACTER ARCS will help you: Give your readers a powerful experience in any genre Discover your character's arc: their internal, emotional journey. Implement that character arc to make your readers root for your character. Keep your story moving by using external plot events to prompt your character's internal growth. Revise your character's arc for maximum impact. PLUS a special chapter on using character arcs in romances, family dramas & other relationship stories. Far from a write-by-numbers manual, this approach examines the basic mechanics of character change to show you how to apply these principles in your own work, with numerous examples. Add power and resonance to any story--master character arcs!