MASTERING CHARACTER ARCS by JORSTAD LEWIS

Author:JORSTAD, LEWIS [JORSTAD, LEWIS]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781955157070
Publisher: The Novel Smithy, LLC
Published: 2022-05-03T04:00:00+00:00

This arc differs from many of the others we’ve discussed, in that the leader appears to fail on almost all fronts. They rarely get a big moment of “victory,” at least until the end of their arc. Instead, the leader is challenged at every turn, either by outside threats, the doubts of their community, or their own fears.

This is a big part of what makes the leader’s arc so impactful. Because the leader begins their story already in a position of power, their quest is less about discovering their own abilities and strengths, and more about accepting their weaknesses. After so long in control, it’ll take a lot for the leader to recognize their flaws and confront their inner struggle—whether they’re a parent watching their child leave home or a queen facing rebellion.

Finally, that brings us to the elder’s arc.

This is the last of the three “older” arcs, and is all about accepting the realities of our own mortality and legacy. It’s human instinct to cling to life, but to complete this arc, the elder will have to embrace death—not as an enemy, but as a quiet friend. In the process, they’ll decide what future they want for their community, work to preserve that future, and eventually sacrifice themselves to ensure the world they leave behind is whole:

The Beginning: The elder begins their story settled into retirement. However, despite the apparent ease of their life, they’re discontent or even bitter about the loss of their younger years. At this point, they’re simply waiting to die, while their inner struggle prevents them from finding peace.

Catalyst: Soon a threat arises that puts the elder’s community in danger, and the elder makes the choice to leave retirement. This may come in the form of a younger character asking for help or a dark warning of some conflict to come.

The Reactive Phase: Back in their old world, the elder struggles with the reality that life has moved on without them. They’re no longer as powerful as they used to be, and this apparent weakness fans the flames of their inner struggle.

Turning Point: This changes when the elder faces some major test. Here they accept their truth for the first time, reinvigorating them with the strength and energy they thought they had lost—basically, their “I still got it” moment!

The Active Phase: With a new sense of purpose, the elder strives forward, though they still haven’t come to terms with the reality of their eventual death. Instead, they cling to whatever power or status makes them feel alive.

Regression: This culminates in a major defeat, forcing the elder to remember that death is inevitable. As much as they might want to, they can’t be there to protect the people they love forever.

Choice: Eventually, the elder must embrace their truth, as well as the world they’re leaving behind. In doing so, they sacrifice themselves—either literally or through some symbolic gesture—to save their community, thus resolving the conflict of their story.

The End: Now at peace, the elder is renewed.

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