Characters

Question 1

Character Archetype

Answer 1

• Based on universally recognizable attributes, experiences, actions that make the character relatable to most people.

• Archetypes tell a universal truth, transcending time, geography, and personal differences.

Question 2

Stereotype

Answer 2

• Stereotypes are based on unfounded preconceptions and over simplifications.

• Stereotyped characters often have a shallow, two dimensional identity.

• Based on negative views on people and can be extremely offensive and based on inaccurate information.

Question 3

Stock Character

Answer 3

• Can be used in effective writing and are intentionally flat, showing little or no growth and change (positive or negative) throughout story.

• Often have only one or two personality traits on display, but these traits are immediately recognizable.

• Example: A strict librarian whose only purpose is to emphasize how unruly the main character is and included for a purpose. They aren’t an important part of the story but do serve to highlight a trait of the main character.

Question 4

Parts of a Character Arc

Answer 4

• A desire: what is it that they want more than anything else?

• A need: What is it that they need? This can be a realization of the truth, a moral change, or simply to trust the right people. This should be different from their desire.

• A flaw: What is it that is holding them back? What is it that they do not realize about themselves or others?

Question 5

Purpose of a Character Arc

Answer 5

A character arc makes characters relatable, interesting, and vulnerable. A fantastic character arc can bring tears to our eyes, drown us in dread, or cause us to cheer in triumph.

Question 6

Why does your character need an arc?

Answer 6

Arcs make characters meaningful. If people don’t understand, relate to, or care about your characters, no amount of action, romance, or terror will keep them engaged.

Question 7

What are the different types of character arcs?

Answer 7

The four types of character arcs: moral ascending, moral descending, transformational, or flat.

Different characters in your story will have different arcs and it can be highly effective to put characters with contrasting arcs in close proximity to each other.

Question 8

Moral Ascending Character Arc

Answer 8

A moral ascending character arc pushes a hero past their flaws and weaknesses, and they become a better person. The key could be friendship, compassion, trust, family, or sacrificing for the greater good. Moral ascending causes empathy and cheers from audiences because positive change is something we root for because we all want to overcome our weaknesses.

Question 9

Moral descending Character Arc

Answer 9

Character’s descent into darkness. The more that they give in to their desires and weaknesses, the further they let their morals and values fall by the wayside. Be sure to give a believable reason for why the person is making the decisions they are.

Question 10

Transformational Character Arc

Answer 10

A character who’s morals don’t necessarily change throughout the course of the story, but their abilities and powers do.

Ex. Erin Yeager, Katniss Everdeen

Question 11

Flat Character Arc

Answer 11

Instead of a positive or negative arc, these characters stay where they started morally and ability wise.

Common in episodic, serial storytelling.

Question 12

Internal Conflict

Answer 12

Internal conflict comes from conflicting personal doubts, desires, and motivations.

Question 13

External Conflict

Answer 13

External conflict comes from characters with conflicting desires, doubts, and motivations.

Question 14

What makes a compelling character?

Answer 14

1. Sympathetic (different from likable)
2. Nuanced (they have layers)
3. Flawed (they aren’t perfect)
4. Active (they go after what they want)

Question 15

Why is the Enneagram important in storytelling?

Answer 15

Because by identifying Enneagram types, the writer discovers each of the character’s…

1. Deepest fear
2. Core motivation
3. Values
4. At their best
5. At their worst

Question 16

The Lie your Character Believes

Answer 16

• Everyone tells themselves consciously or subconsciously “stories” about people And the world everyday. These stories are shaped by our past experiences.

• Every compelling character has one dominant narrative, one overarching story that is the lense through which they see the world.

• This story should be related to a character’s fear, motivation, and values.

• The story can’t be true (a lie)

• Your character is incomplete on the inside. They are harboring some misconception about either themselves, the world, or both.

Question 17

The Ghost

Answer 17

• Amost always a bad thing that has happened to your character.

• Characters should blame themselves for the very bad thing or it be caused by their mistake.

• Ghost= Hero’s internal opponent. The great fear that is holding them back from action.

• Ghost acts as a counter desire. The character’s desire drives them forward and the ghost holds them back.

Question 18

Four Attributes of a Compelling Character

Answer 18

1. Sympathetic (Different from likable)
2. Nuanced (they have layers)
3. Flawed (they’re not perfect)
4. Active (they go after what they want)