How to Use Story Structure and Character Arcs to Write More Compelling Fiction
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Today, we’re diving deep into some essential craft topics: story structure, plot, character arcs, and character development. These elements are inseparably linked, and understanding how they interact will elevate your writing.
Last week on the podcast, I spoke with Michelle Regenold on how to interview your characters to get them to share their secrets and we briefly touched on the importance of exploring what your characters want, need, and fear. Let’s take that further today and break down how to develop a character holistically through the lens of their character arc and examine how the story structure aids in delivering that arc of change.
What is Story Structure?
Story structure might make new writers nervous—it certainly did for me. The concern is often about sounding formulaic, like following a recipe. But as Sean Coyne, author of The Story Grid, wisely puts it: story structure is form, not formula.
Think of structure as scaffolding. It provides the framework for the emotional rollercoaster readers crave: highs, lows, moments of tension, terror, release, and joy.
Story structure is a vehicle for narrative change.
Think of structure as the strategic sequencing of plot events, which produce conflict and, together, result in an arc of change for the character and the narrative.
Ultimately, story structure is the rhythm of transformation that guides characters and their worlds through an irreversible change. Every story revolves around this truth: something that was can never be again.
From a biological standpoint, humans are wired to respond to this rhythm. It mirrors the patterns we instinctively follow to make sense of life and seek safety. When readers don’t get that rhythm, they might feel disappointed without knowing why.
Finding the Right Structure for You
All creative endeavors have form—flowers have petals, trees have roots and branches, paintings have canvases. Stories, too, have a form. And while there are countless story structures to choose from, most in Western culture boil down to three acts:
The Beginning – A problem is introduced.
The Middle – The problem worsens.
The End – The problem is resolved (or not).
Whether you prefer Three-Act, Four-Act, the Hero’s Journey, Save the Cat, the W-Plot, or something else, these frameworks share common ground. Choose the one that resonates with you, and stick with it. Jumping between systems will only confuse the process—they’re all variations of the same core principles.
For a visual guide to story structure, you can download this free PDF.
How Story Structure Shapes Character Arcs
A character arc is your protagonist's transformative interpersonal journey during the story. It reflects the theme or the message of your narrative—the universal truth you’re exploring about the human experience.
At the story’s start, your character holds specific beliefs about themselves and the world—beliefs that may be flawed. By the end, those beliefs shift because of the challenges they’ve faced. The sequence of plot events and their cumulative energy creates the tension needed to force this transformation.
There are three main types of character arcs:
Positive Arc – The character grows internally and becomes more fulfilled.
Negative Arc – The character deteriorates internally and becomes more unfulfilled.
Flat Arc – The character doesn’t change internally, but the world (or people) around them does.
The type of arc you choose depends on your story’s genre and theme. For instance, inspiring stories or stories about hope, such as romance, often favor positive arcs, while tragedies and cautionary tales lean toward negative arcs. Thrillers, crime, and action stories frequently feature flat or steadfast arcs, where characters stay true to their core beliefs to overcome external challenges, but positive arcs can work, too.
Building a Character Arc
To craft a compelling character arc, you need to understand your character’s baseline—their internal makeup at the story’s start. Ask these questions:
What do they want? (Their external goal)
What motivates them? (The reason the external goal matters to them—their values.)
What are their fears? (What are they afraid of losing or not getting if they don’t achieve their external goal?)
What false beliefs guide their actions, and where did they come from? (What do they believe about themselves and or the world that is keeping them from growing into a better version of themselves–Where did they learn this lesson?)
Let’s take Shrek as an example:
Wound: Years of persecution for being an ogre.
False Belief: “I’m unlovable and it’s better to be alone.”
External Want: Solitude, symbolized by his swamp.
Fear: Losing swamp. Deep fear—being vulnerable, connection and abandonment.
Need: Love and connection.
Throughout the story, Shrek faces strategically placed plot events designed to challenge his false belief, pushing him to risk vulnerability and embrace his need for connection. By the end, he’s transformed—not just for himself, but for those around him.
The Guiding Truth
Your character’s arc aligns with the story’s theme or guiding truth—the ultimate lesson they must learn. In Shrek, this truth is: Love is worth the risk of rejection. This truth drives the narrative and gives the story its emotional resonance.
Practical Tips for Fiction Writers
Choose a Structure and Stick to It
Don’t bounce between systems for one book. Consistency in structure will streamline your process.Understand Your Character’s False Belief
What do they believe about themselves or the world that isn’t serving them? How did they develop this belief? Look to their younger years and events that caused them pain. What lessons about what it means to live in their world, did they extrapolate from these events?Design Plot Events to Challenge Their Beliefs
High-stakes events force characters to confront their fears and evolve with a negative arc-de-evolve.Practice Identifying Arcs in Stories
Study books or movies you love. How do characters transform? What moments drive their change?
Recommended Resources
Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and The Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee
Final Thoughts
Stories are about change—whether it’s the character, the world, or both. By understanding story structure and character arcs, you’ll create narratives that demonstrate change and resonate deeply with readers.
So, ask yourself: Who is your character at the beginning of your story? What shaped their beliefs and values? What will challenge them most?
Once you’ve answered those questions, you’ll have the tools to guide your protagonist—and your readers—on an unforgettable journey.
