A professional writing coach helps an author develop a strong character arc for their protagonist.

Understanding character arcs is an essential aspect of crafting compelling narratives. Among the most prominent models, the Change Arc and Flat Arc provide writers with clear frameworks for shaping their characters’ journeys. The Change Arc focuses on a character’s internal transformation, where personal growth is driven by overcoming a fundamental flaw or false belief. Conversely, the Flat Arc highlights a character’s steadfastness, with their unchanging values influencing the story and other characters. Each story model serves a distinct purpose, and writers can achieve greater clarity by applying them thoughtfully. With the guidance of a professional writing coach, writers can deepen their understanding of these arcs and seamlessly integrate them into their narratives.

The Change Arc is a storytelling model that focuses on the internal transformation of a character over the course of a narrative. It is rooted in the idea that characters begin the story with a fundamental flaw, false belief, or limitation that governs their behavior and worldview. Through the events of the story, this false belief is challenged, forcing the character to confront their inner struggles and evolve. By the end of the arc, the character has undergone significant personal growth, resulting in a new understanding of themselves or the world around them. This journey of change often mirrors the emotional or thematic core of the story, making the protagonist’s development integral to the overall narrative.

A key element of the Change Arc is the presence of a "lie" that the character believes at the beginning. This lie represents a misconception or emotional obstacle that limits the character's potential or creates internal conflict. For example, a character may believe they are unworthy of love or incapable of achieving their goals. The story’s events—through conflicts, relationships, and key turning points—challenge this belief, often putting the character in situations where their false assumptions lead to failure or pain. Over time, the character begins to see the truth and take actions that align with their new understanding. By the conclusion of the story, they have overcome their initial flaw or false belief, completing their transformation.

In contrast, the Flat Arc represents a character who does not change fundamentally throughout the story. Instead of evolving internally, the character begins with a solid understanding of a truth or belief system that remains consistent from start to finish. Rather than transforming themselves, they use their steadfast perspective to influence and change the world around them or other characters in the story. Flat arcs are common in narratives where the protagonist serves as a moral or inspirational figure, such as a hero who motivates others to adopt their values or overcome obstacles.

The primary difference between the two arcs lies in the locus of transformation. In the Change Arc, the character evolves, adapting to circumstances and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves. The story’s focus is on their personal growth and how their internal journey drives the external events. Conversely, in the Flat Arc, the character is a catalyst for change, remaining stable in their beliefs and inspiring or challenging others to grow.

For example, in a Change Arc, a character might start as someone consumed by fear or doubt, only to confront their inner demons and emerge courageous or self-assured. In a Flat Arc, the protagonist might begin as a figure of unwavering resolve, like a determined activist or a wise mentor, and their impact is measured by how others transform because of their influence.

Both arcs serve distinct storytelling purposes. The Change Arc is ideal for narratives centered on self-discovery, redemption, or overcoming adversity, while the Flat Arc suits stories about leadership, steadfastness, or the power of unshakable values. Writers can choose between these models based on the type of story they wish to tell and the role they envision for their protagonist.

Writers can greatly benefit from applying the Change Arc and Flat Arc to their work, particularly with the guidance of a professional writing coach who can offer tailored insights and constructive feedback. A writing coach serves as both a mentor and collaborator, helping writers understand these models in depth and integrate them effectively into their storytelling process.

When working with a coach on a Change Arc, the process often begins with an exploration of the character’s core beliefs and flaws. The coach may help the writer identify the “lie” the character believes at the start of the story and how this falsehood limits their potential or creates conflict. By discussing the character's goals, motivations, and emotional needs, the coach can guide the writer in designing a progression of events that challenge and ultimately dismantle this false belief. This includes crafting pivotal moments—such as inciting incidents, midpoint crises, and climactic resolutions—that push the character to grow in believable and impactful ways. A coach might also help the writer assess whether the character’s transformation is sufficiently tied to the story’s central themes, ensuring the arc feels purposeful and resonant.

In the case of a Flat Arc, the writing coach can help the writer determine the specific truth or core belief the character holds. They will explore how this belief shapes the protagonist’s actions and decisions, as well as how it influences other characters and the story’s world. A coach might assist in crafting secondary characters or societal structures that oppose the protagonist’s truth, creating conflict that allows the unwavering hero to demonstrate their values. Together, the writer and coach can also refine how the protagonist’s influence leads to change in others, ensuring the story maintains momentum even without a traditional internal transformation.

In practice, a writing coach often reviews drafts, outlines, and character sketches to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement. They might suggest exercises designed to deepen the writer’s understanding of their characters, such as writing backstories, exploring alternative choices the characters might make, or mapping the emotional beats of the arc. For writers struggling with pacing or structure, a coach can offer strategies for integrating character development seamlessly into the plot, ensuring that each event feels both inevitable and organic to the character’s journey.

Additionally, a writing coach brings an objective perspective that can be invaluable for refining a story. Writers often become so immersed in their work that they lose sight of whether a character's transformation—or lack thereof—is coming across clearly to an audience. A coach can provide constructive critiques, asking questions such as, “Does this moment effectively challenge the character’s belief system?” or “How does this action reinforce the character’s core values?” By identifying gaps or inconsistencies, they help writers create arcs that feel authentic and satisfying.

By exploring the Change Arc and Flat Arc, writers can design character journeys that align with their story’s goals and themes. The Change Arc emphasizes personal evolution, while the Flat Arc showcases the power of unyielding truth to inspire change in others. A professional writing coach can help writers navigate these models, offering tailored feedback and strategies to ensure characters develop in ways that resonate with readers.