Main Character Growth

Development of Character Arc

Part 2 of this series examines the Main Character's "arc" and how best to define that development.

Stories Are Not Always About Transformation

Great meaning can be found by digging one's heels in.

Same Story, Different Title

What do Sean Penn's Into the Wild and M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense have in common? Much more than you would probably think.

Every Character Should Have an Arc

An analysis of the animated film Surf's Up and a look at what the term "character arc" really means.

I Am Legend: Deeper Analysis

A detailed look at the thought process I went into while analyzing I Am Legend.

27 Dresses: Arriving at the Storyform

Approaching the analysis of a story using the Dramatica software.

Thinking of Your Audience First

Using concepts found in the Dramatica theory of story to write a story with your audience in mind.

Understanding the Soul of Your Main Character

An exploration of the idea that all Character is fate.

Casino Royale: Rewinding your Main Character

How to determine whether or not your Main Character has changed their essential nature or remained steadfast.

Do Antagonists have Character Arcs?

Clarifying change in characters other than the Main Character.

notes on story drivers and character growth

Quick tips on two important concepts.

slightly tweaked perspective on a character’s arc

Tips on the Main Character's Growth.

Character Arc is Not All About Change

Defining the difference between a character who "changes" and one who "grows."

Dramatica Simplified

Dramatica can seem a bit overwhelming when you first start out. I remember flipping through the dictionary at the back of the theory book and thinking, "This is insane!" But after eight years of working with it, I've got the model pretty much memorized (at least down to the Variation level) and have a pretty good understanding of each of the terms.

the main character’s role in the OS

Can you have a Main Character who is not really involved in the Overall Story?

A Different Look at Main Character Dynamics

As with all things Dramatica, the Main Character Dynamics (Resolve, Growth, Approach and Mental Sex) can be seen as relating together in a single quad.