making good character arcs in stories

One of the elements is consistency. The character should act in a way that is consistent with their personality at the start of the story. As they grow and change, it should still be believable based on who they are. And character development should be shown, not told. Instead of just saying the character is becoming more confident, show it through their actions, like speaking up in a meeting or taking on a leadership role. Also, there should be a resolution at the end of the arc, whether it's a positive or negative outcome for the character.

Well, one key is to have a believable transformation. Don't just suddenly make the character a completely different person. The change should be gradual. You can use events in the story to trigger small changes in the character. Also, make sure the character's arc is relevant to the overall theme of the story. If the story is about redemption, the character's arc should reflect that. For example, a former criminal character might start to do good deeds bit by bit, showing their journey towards redemption.

One common type is the transformation from a carefree individual to a responsible partner. In many love stories, a character might start off only thinking about their own pleasure but then realizes they need to be more reliable for their loved one.

In love stories, character arcs often develop through the challenges and growth experiences within the relationship. For example, a shy character might become more confident as they navigate the ups and downs of love. They start to express themselves more openly and take risks they wouldn't have before.

In romance novels, character arcs often develop through the relationship. For example, a shy character might become more confident as they fall in love. The challenges they face together, like family opposition or misunderstandings, force them to grow.

Another character ripe for a redemption arc in the fanfiction of '300 Rise of an Empire' is Ephialtes. He was a traitor in the movie, but fanfiction could rewrite his story. He could realize the error of his ways after seeing the true nature of the Persians he sided with. He might then try to make amends, perhaps by using his knowledge of both sides to broker peace or help the Spartans in some way. This would be a great way to explore his character more deeply and give him a second chance.

There's the self - acceptance arc. In many romance novels, a character may have body image issues or feel unworthy of love. Through the love of the other character, they come to accept themselves. Also, the transformation arc, where a character completely changes their outlook on life, like from being a loner to embracing a relationship and a new social circle.

One common type is the hero's journey. This is where the character starts in an ordinary world, faces challenges, and returns transformed. Another is the redemption arc, like in 'Les Misérables' where Jean Valjean redeems himself from his past crimes. Also, there's the fall arc, where a character goes from a good or neutral state to a bad one, like Macbeth in Shakespeare's play.

It really varies. Some novels might have just a couple of major character arcs, while others could have several. It depends on the complexity of the story and the number of significant characters.

Bethany could have an arc where she becomes more involved in the political and social affairs of Kirkwall. Initially, she might be more focused on her own family and mage studies. But as she witnesses the injustices in the city, she decides to take a stand. Sebastian, on the other hand, could develop by facing his past traumas. Maybe he has some unresolved issues from his time in Starkhaven. Bethany's presence and her own struggles could inspire him to confront his past. As they both grow in these ways, they become stronger individuals and their relationship evolves as well. They start to rely on each other more not just for protection but also for emotional support.