Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Note that both plot and arc are structured with a beginning, middle, and
end—setup, confrontation and resolution—just like the Three-Act Struc-
ture.
Arcs apply to all major characters in a story. The most compelling ones
chronicle a deep change in a character's values, in what he stands for, and
who he is. These can be called growth arcs . This is the kind of arc we ex-
pect to see in a Hero, for example.
But even if a major character doesn't change or grow as a person over
the course of the tale, it's likely his situation does. We can refer to these as
circumstantial arcs .
Each arc includes a beginning point (who is this character and what is
his situation when we first meet him?), a middle point (what happens along
the way?), and an end point (where does this character and/or his situation
end up?). Let's look at two more character arcs from Star Wars .
Obi-Wan Kenobi's Arc
Obi-Wan is a powerful Jedi in hiding, considered by the local popu-
lation to be a crazy old hermit.
After seeing Leia's call for help, he decides to leave his exile and be-
gin training Luke in the ways of the Force. He ultimately sacrifices
his life to allow the others to escape.
From beyond the grave, Obi-Wan guides Luke and helps him destroy
the Death Star.
Han Solo's Arc
Han Solo is a self-assured, self-centered smuggler who relies on and
believes in just one thing: himself.
Han sees Luke, Obi-Wan, Leia and others taking huge risks and mak-
ing sacrifices for each other and for the greater good.
Han chooses to help his new friends rather than see to his own in-
terests, demonstrating that he has grown from a simple scoundrel
to a heroic figure in his own right.
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