humdrummoloch

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Prompt #2018

There's a limit to how lonely you can feel before it starts to strip you away from the inside like acid.

#prompt

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Prompt #2017

"Is that supposed to impress me?"

"Yeah. Is it working?"

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Prompt #2016

"Will you go out with me?"

"Can this wait until you're not in mortal danger?!"

#i think the pronoun use changess the meaning of the last line. #“Can this wait until I'm not in mortal danger?!” the other person is selfish #“Can this wait until WE'RE not in mortal danger?!” funny #“Can this wait until YOU'RE not in mortal danger?!” concern

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Prompt #2015

"I'm the hero you're looking for!"

"You're the loser I'm trying to avoid."

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Prompt #2014

"...Can I have it?"

"The dragon egg?!"

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Prompt #2013

"Keep yourself busy."

"Oh, I will."

"And keep yourself out of trouble."

"What? How am I supposed to do both?!"

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Prompt #2012

"Is she looking?"

"Nope."

"Tell me when she's looking."

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Prompt #2011

"Did you actually think that would work?!"

"No, but I got bored just waiting around."

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Prompt #2010

"Seriously. Don't even talk about it."

"How am I supposed to ignore it?!"

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Hello! Can I ask about character arcs? And maybe some promps please

Hello!

I'm not super good at this but I'll give it a go. Sorry if these thoughts are a little scattered.

A character arc is (usually) a character unlearning a maladaptive approach and learning one that serves them better. That's the purpose of the world to the main character who is in it, to challenge their old ways and facilitate that change. Typically that's the plot, regardless of genre or setting (sequels often explore characters further developing in a changed world). It's considered by some storytellers to be the #1 method to creating a compelling story... but not by everyone, it must be said. Not every story is character-driven, and not every plot reacts to its characters or vice versa. I mean, not every story even involves change. Still, I think the concept of the arc is useful regardless of whether the characters are the core of your story.

An arc is about change. A misanthrope learns to care for the people around him. A closed-off hermit learns to open up. An ageing hero learns to step out of the spotlight and shift to a mentor role. The world pushes them to change their old outlook/behaviour and they push back to find that solution, creating the different elements of the plot itself. The end product of these arcs is usually a character who is better equipped and more fulfilled, but sometimes an arc can lead to their doom.

Change is not necessarily a moral improvement or even a practical one -- characters can become 'worse' in a compelling way when their arc is understandable but saddening. Also any topic of arc can go in any direction due to the nature of maladaptive extremes. Two characters often meet in a healthy middle, which is a good use of a side character.

There's flat arcs too, or boomerang arcs as I like to call them, where a person comes close to the precipice of change and (for better or worse) backs away. Often done to great effect with multidimensional villains who help reinforce/reflect the character's arc. This can also be done when a hero resists allowing the world to turn them evil.

Entire seasons can be dedicated to a different arc in the main character's development as they change and learn how to face each new challenge.

You also might notice that lots of TV shows (especially episodic formats) have a mini character arc as the central plot of many episodes. Lots of children's media and sitcoms are this way and once you see it you never unsee it.

In my opinion, if you want to know how to create a character or a plot, then arcs are a very significant component. Understanding how to put a character through a meaningful arc can be the difference between "interesting premise" and "good story." The most beloved characters often have the greatest arcs, but make no mistake, the greatest arcs are often the simplest.

All that said, "character arc" is a made-up term; it is quite literally what you make of it, so don't take my word as law -- remember, once you understand them, all laws of writing can be broken!

Whew, I think that's everything I know about arcs, condensed.

Some prompts for arcs:

A hero in a healed world learns to finally put down their sword

A cynical town doctor learns it takes more than medicine to help people thrive

A heartbroken musician learns to grow from their mistakes instead of mythologising their broken relationships

A chronic case of 'I can fix them' learns to stand up for themselves

A lonely CEO learns what is more important than success

A conman learns earning trust is better than earning money

A revenge-driven character learns the cycle of violence can never bring happiness

Sometimes you don't know a character until you know their arc. Once you have a good arc nailed down, the rest of your story can slot into place like magic.

- HumdrumMoloch

#creative writing #writing prompts #advice #character arcs #plotting

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Prompt #2009

"Hey -- LISTEN TO ME -- you are NOT allowed to fight the wizard."

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Prompt #2008

"I'm not as strong as everyone else, and the moment they learn that, they'll leave me behind."

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Prompt #2007

"I was worried we'd become enemies. But it's worse: you became a stranger."

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Prompt #2006

"You wanted it all, and you got it. Too bad you couldn't handle what came with it."

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Prompt #2005

"We're not stopping until we get there."

"Maybe some stops?"

"No!"

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Prompt #2004

"I was a big fish, before all this. I used to be somebody."

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Prompt #2003

A character that is so surprised their crush said 'yes' to going out with them that they reiterate several times that it's a date

(Submission by anonymous)