

However, they aren’t the focus of your novel. The random grocery clerk who sells your protagonist a pint of orange juice or the nice bus driver who drives them home serve important functions. The key here is one of focus-specifically, which of your characters your novel focuses on.

NOTE: New to character arcs? You can find everything you need to know here: Character Arcs 101. The problem is, not every member of your cast warrants a character arc. Not only do arcs help you craft believable change, but they also help you time that change so that it happens at all the right moments. While there are many ways to create catharsis, character arcs are one of the best tools writers can use to trigger this wave of emotion.

Round CharactersĬharacter arcs are a critical part of writing a cathartic (and thus enjoyable) novel.įor those who aren’t familiar with it, catharsis is the feeling of emotional satisfaction you get at the end of a good story.
