Summary of K.M. Weiland's Creating Character Arcs

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.