'The Seven Basic Plots': A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Powerful Character Arcs

1. Class Intro: Hello. My name is Simoni denova and I'm an award winning director and screenwriter with certifications from the National Film and Television School. I've spent years perfecting the art of storytelling, and I'm really passionate about helping you do the same. Have you ever wanted to create a character whose journey is not only compelling, but feels real, a character who changes, a character who grows, a character who surprises the audience in a believable way. Well, this course is where we're going to do exactly that. This course is about building believable character arcs using the seven basic plots, a framework that has stood the test of time for great storytelling. We'll dive into the key plot types like overcoming the monster voyage and return and rebirth, and we'll explore how to create a character transformation with these structures. I've already covered Blake Snyder save cat and how to build the perfect scene here on SkillShare, and now I want to help you get even better versed in the art of screenwriting. You learn how to craft a character arc from start to finish, how to identify crucial turning points and build emotional resonance. We'll also analyze the common pitfalls writers face and how to avoid them, ensuring your character's journey is as compelling as the pot itself. By the end of this course, you'll have a deep understanding of character development, and you'll be able to create your own unique character arcs that captivate your audience. So let's get started because your character's transformations await. 2. Project: Welcome to the class project. In this project, you'll apply everything you've learned about character arcs and create your own music, one of the seven basic plots that we will cover throughout the course. By the end of the project, you'll have a fully developed character arc for your protagonist and you will complete it with key transformations and turning points. Here's how this works. First, choose one of the seven basic plots that resonate with the story you want to tell. It could be overcoming the monster, voyage and return or really any of the others. Then craft your protagonists journey based on that plot, identifying the key stages of their transformation from the initial setup to the final resolution. You'll need to identify the following the protagonist starting point. What is their world view at the beginning of the story? The turning points, what events or realizations shift their mindset and drive the transformation, and the final change. How does the character end the story? What's their transformation? I want you to focus on making this transformation feel believable and earn. So think about their relationships, their motivations, and their inner struggles. And remember, it's not just about what happens to them, it's about how they react and grow. To submit your project, you'll need to deliver a character arc breakdown, which is a brief outline of a character's journey, which you can do on the handout that you can find pinned in the description. You'll also need to give me a detailed description of your turning points and how they relate to the plot you've chosen, which is also included in the sheet and you'll need to give me a summary of your protagonists transformation and what they've learned by the end of the story. You can do that in the sheet that I've given you or you can do it separately and just attach it. Once you've completed your project, I really encourage you to share it here on Skill Share for feedback. This is a great opportunity to refine your ideas and help each other build stronger character arcs. I can't wait to see how you bring your characters to life. 3. Character Arcs and 'The Seven Basic Plots': Hello, everyone, and thank you so much for joining this class. In this course, we are going to explore the seven basic plots by Christopher Booker. This is a framework that not only highlights the key structures that have been used for centuries, but it also focuses on how these structures can be used to shape the journey of your own characters. Why do character arcs matter? Think of your favorite character, Frodo Baggins who grows into a reluctant hero, Elsa, who learns how to embrace her powers, Michael Corleone's descent into darkness. What do they all have in common? They're not the same person at the end of their stories as they were at the beginning. This change, this transformation is what makes them memorable. It's what makes their stories resonate with us. And without strong character arcs, even the most action packed plot can feel hollow. In this lesson, we'll talk about the foundations for everything you'll need to explore in this course. By the end, you'll understand why character arcs are so central to storytelling and you'll also know how the seven basic plots can help you create arcs that are not only compelling, but also deeply meaningful. Now, what are the seven basic plots? Christopher Booker's book, The seven basic plots outlines, as you might have guessed it, seven basic plots that virtually every story in every character follows. These are the fundamental structures of storytelling, if you will. Now, here's a quick overview of those. You've got overcoming the monster. This is when a character faces and defeats a great evil or a great threat. So think jaws or the hunger games. You have rags to riches. This is a rise from obscurity all the way to greatness. It often comes with personal challenges along the way. Disney stories are super great examples for this. So we can think of Cinderella and we can think of Aladdin who rose from quite literal rags to quite literal riches. The third plot is the quest. This is a journey to achieve a goal. It often involves obstacles and growth. And by often, I mean, you really should aim to have it. Think of the Lord of the Rings. This is my personal favorite Quest story, but finding Nemo is also a brilliant example of that. Next, we can talk about voyage in return. This is when a character ventures into an unfamiliar world, a new world, and they learn from it, and then they return, but they're changed, they're transformed. I think one of the first examples that can pop into anybody's head about this is Alison Wonderland, but inception is also a great one to consider. Then we've got comedy. So this is always a story of misunderstanding and reconciliation, and it often has a happy ending, which is good because not all of these plots do. A very classical example of this, I guess, would be much ado about nothing. That's Shakespeare. But you can also think of a way more modern take on that with crazy Rich Asians. This sixth plot is probably what Shakespeare loved best, a tragedy. This is when a character's flaws lead them to their ultimate downfall. I mentioned Shakespeare. Obviously, I'm thinking of Macbeth, but you can also be thinking a little bit more recently and picture the Great Gatsby. The last plot that Christopher Booker outlined, number seven is rebirth. It's not literal though it can be, but what he means with rebirth is redemption and renewal. It comes after overcoming inner darkness. So I think my personal favorite is the lion king, but I think the most popular one would be Christmas Carol. These plots, all of them, they are more than just story structures. They are roadmaps for understanding how your characters evolve. It's not really for the audience. It's for you for you to know what your character needs right now and how to make them more compelling. They give you this beautiful framework of understanding their evolution and crafting their arc in a way that feels really natural and super satisfying to your audience. So what is the relationship between your plot and your character arc? Well, each plot inherently is tied to a specific character arc. For example, in overcoming the monster story, the protagonist would naturally grow from fear to courage because you want some an arc, you want some change and development, and this is the most natural one that would come to you. Similarly, in a rags to riches plot, they may evolve from self doubt to confidence. That's how your plot can provide the external events, but it's the internal journey, the character arc. That gives the story depth and emotional impact and what ultimately keeps us, the audience engaged with your beautiful story. So if you're able to do this, if you align your plot structure with your character's development, you will ensure that your story feels cohesive. Each event will push your character towards a transformation, whether it's step forward, setback, or maybe even a moment of realization. But how will this course help you specifically? Well, simply, you will understand the seven basic plots and how each one of them connects to a specific character arc that you can follow. We will also analyze iconic characters and see how they transform and how those transformations are crafted. I will teach you how to apply all of that knowledge to your own story. Over the next several lessons, we'll break down each of the seven plots in detail, explore how they influence character development, and work through examples from popular films in books. You'll also have the chance to create your own character arc using one of the plots for the class project. The class project will guide you step by step through crafting a believable character transformation using one of the seven basic plots. By the end, you'll have a character arc outline that you can use in your stories, or even as a blueprint for a future screenplay or even novel because this is just storytelling. You can adapt to any form. Let's get started. In the next lesson, we'll dive into the first plot overcoming the monster. I will see you there. 4. Overcoming the Monster: A Hero's Journey: Come back. In this lesson, we'll be diving into the first of the seven plots overcoming the monster. This is one of the most timeless in universal story structures. From ancient myths to modern blockbusters, the monster plot captures our imagination with stories of courage, growth, and ultimate triumph over evil. But what makes this plot so compelling isn't just the external battle. It's the internal journey your protagonist undertakes as they overcome their fears, weaknesses, or doubts to face their monster. So let's break this down. What is the monster? The monster doesn't have to be a literal creature. It can actually be a person or villain like Vold demote in Harry Potter. It can also be a system like the oppressive government in the hunger games, and it can also be crucially an internal struggle. Addiction or a fear. This can be seen in a beautiful mind. The key is that the monster poses a threat to your protagonist, to their loved ones, or even to the whole world. It's big, it's dangerous, and it forces the protagonist to rise up to this challenge. Sort are the stages of overcoming the monster. Most overcoming the monster stories follow a pattern of five stages. We start with a call to action. The monster is introduced and the protagonist is thrust into action. You can think of the moment when Katnis volunteers as tributes. Hi volunteers tribute. The second stage is preparation and planning. This is when the protagonist gathers resources, trains, or builds allies to prepare for the battle. Again, think of Harry Potter when he forms Dumbledore's Army. Number three, the confrontation. This is where the protagonist faces the monster, and they often experience setbacks and challenges. Think of Luke's first duel with Darth Vader, where he ultimately not only loses the duel, but also his hand. So the confrontation initially is not successful. But then we go to the victory when the monster is finally defeated and the protagonist achieves their goal. This happens when Frodo destroys the one ring. And finally, we have the aftermath. This is where the protagonist reflects on their journey and usually returns home but returns changed. Think of the celebrations at the end of Star Wars a New Hope. So what is the character arc in overcoming the monster? While the external conflict obviously drives the plot here, the internal transformation makes the story resonate in overcoming the monster. The character arc looks something like this. You can have a fear to courage character arc. This is when the protagonist begins unsure or scared, but they grow to become brave and embrace this inner strength that they have. You can also have from weakness to strength. This is when they gain confidence, skills, or allies, or it can be all of those. We can also have isolation to leadership. They step up to lead others or inspire a huge change. I love any work by Tolkien, so let's take Bilbo from the hobbit for an example. At the start, Bilbo is reluctant to leave the shire. But by the end, he's standing up to smoug and outwitting the dragon with his cleverness. His growth is what keeps you invested in his story. Do you know Truly. The tales and songs fall tale short. Of your enormity, Oh, smoug. They're stupendous. But let's break this down with a more modern example, and let's talk about the hunger games and Katnis Evden. The call to action, the monster for Katnis is the capital. Katnis steps into the role of a hero when she volunteers a tribute. The preparation and planning. Well, in the lead up to the games, she trains, she builds allies like Peter and Ru, and she learns important survival tactics. Confrontation, Katnis faces the capital's control and deadly arena, and she struggles to survive and to protect Peter in the meantime. The victory, she defies the capital. She threatens a double suicide with Peter, and therefore, she forces the capital to change the rules. One of us has to die. They had to have their victor. No. They don't. Why should they? And finally, her aftermath. Well, Katnis becomes this symbol of rebellion, and this is a far cry from the scared girl we met at the beginning of this story. Her ark takes her from this reluctant participant to a leader with the courage to challenge tyranny. Her journey is not about survival. The hunger games are. He journey isn't. Her journey is about discovering her own strength and her sense of justice. So now it's your turn. Let's identify the monster in your story. Think about these questions. What or who is the monster in your protagonist's journey. How does this monster challenge the character both externally and internally? And what strengths or qualities will your protagonist discover by facing this monster? If you're not sure, try thinking about your favorite overcoming the monster story. How does that story balance the external threat with the character's internal growth? Reflecting on those can spark ideas for your own beautiful creation. In the next lesson, we'll tackle another classic plot rags to riches. This is a story of transformation, growth, and triumph, but in a very different way. Until then, take some time to think about your story's monster and how it shapes your protagonist's arc and I will see you in the next lesson. 5. Rags to Riches: Transformation and Growth: Welcome back. In this lesson, we're exploring another timeless and beloved plot rags to riches. At its heart, this is a story about transformation, about characters who rise from obscurity, poverty, or hardship, and they achieve greatness, wealth, or happiness. But as you're about to see, it's not just about their external reward. It's the internal growth that these characters go through that makes their stories really resonate. From fairy tales to sports dramas, the rags to riches plot is a testament to resilience, hope, and the idea that extraordinary things can happen to ordinary people. So what is the rags to riches plot? This plot follows the journey from a humble beginning to a triumphant climax, but it's not always as simple as it sounds. Typically, the rags to rich story involves initial struggles where the protagonist starts in a difficult situation. They are often overlooked, oppressed, or undervalued. Then you have a spark of change. Something happens that gives them a chance to rise, and this is followed by growth and change. So they begin to improve their circumstances, but they face obstacles that test their determination and values. Then we get to the final triumph, where they achieve success, whether that's material, emotional, or even both. But there's a very important twist. If the transformation is only external, I promise you this story will feel hollow. The true magic happens when the protagonist's internal journey mirrors their outward success. In other words, if your character remains the same as they were in the beginning of the story, they should not be able to achieve this wealth or happiness or growth. That they get in the end. They need to change in order to be able to get all of these great things at the end, and that's what makes a great Rax Richard's story. Let's break this down further with the key stages of this transformation. We will start from the ordinary world. Here, the protagonist's life at the beginning is marked by struggle, hardship, or obscurity. Think Cinderella cleaning the floors or Harry Potter living in the cupboard under the stairs. Then this character gets an opportunity. A mentor, an event or maybe even a stroke of luck propels the protagonist towards change. Again, Cinderella's very godmother appears or Harry receives his letter from Hogwards. Number three is the line. The protagonist works hard faces challenges and starts to prove their worth. Let's change it up with Rocky who trains in the gym or Eliza Doolittle, who learns to speak properly in My Fair Lady. Didn't not say that? No, Eliza, you didn't say that. You didn't even say that. This is all followed by a setback. Often, the protagonist loses their way or is confronted with a failure that tests their resilience. Rocky loses a fight, and Aladdin is exposed as a fraud. And we end with the true triumph, the protagonist earns their success not just through luck, but through growth, persistence, and self discovery. That last part is the most important thing about this plot. Think Cinderella winning the Prince's love, not just because of her dress, but her kindness and her lovely spirit. Let's use Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to see how this works in action since I already started on this path. The ordinary world for Harry begins as an orphan living with the Dursleys. He's being treated like a servant and he's completely unaware of his potential. But then he gets an opportunity. Hagrid arrives and tells him that he is a wizard. This moment changes Harry's life forever. You're a wizard, Harry. I'm a what? Then the climb? Et HogwardHarry learns about magic, he builds friendships, he discovers his own abilities, and he also faces challenges like Snap's disdain and quita trials. But then he has a setback. So he confronts his fears and doubts when he learns the truth about Voldemort and realizes the danger that he's really, truly in. Voldemort. But finally, we have the true triumph. This is when Harry doesn't win by brute force but by bravery, loyalty, and selflessness. He chooses to protect the philosopher's stone and faces Voldemort despite his fears. This isn't just a story about Harry becoming a famous wizard. It's about him finding a family, discovering his self worth, and embracing the idea that he's capable of more than he ever believed. So how do you craft your own rags to Rich's story? Simply, think about these things. Where does your protagonist begin? What struggle is going to define their rags? Then what event or opportunity is going to propel them towards change? What internal growth must they undergo to earn their success? What setbacks will challenge their transformation? And how does the climax reflect both their external success and their internal growth? When creating your own rags to riches story, just remember it's not just about the riches. The true heart of this plot lies in the transformation, and the best stories show how the protagonist changes internally and externally to achieve their goal. Now it's your turn. Think about your protagonist. How do they start their journey? What rags define their life? And most importantly, what inequalities will they discover to earn their riches? If you're unsure, look at your favorite racks to Riches stories. What makes those transformations feel believable and inspiring. Take notes and brainstorm ideas for your own character's journey. In the next lesson, we'll explore the quest, another fundamental plot that focuses on purpose, perseverance, and camaraderie. Until then, take some time to reflect on the journey from racks to riches, both in your favorite stories and your own writing, and I will see you in the next lesson. 6. The Quest: Purpose and Perseverance: Welcome back. Today, we are diving into the Quest, a plot that's all about purpose, perseverance and teamwork. Quests are about more than just traveling from point A to point B. They're about the journey, the trails along the way, and the transformation that occurs through the pursuit of a goal. Whether it's saving the world, finding a missing loved one or uncovering a lost treasure, the quest plot taps into the intrinsic desire for meaning and adventure. What is the Quest plot? The quest centers around a protagonist or a group of protagonists pursuing a very specific goal. It's not just about reaching the destination. The heart of this plot lies in the challenges they face along the way and how those challenges shape your characters. Here's a simplified breakdown of the structure of the quest plot. We start with a call to action like many other stories do. Your protagonist is given a mission or a goal that drives a story. Then you have the journey. They encounter obstacles, enemies, and allies while striving towards a goal. Then they face their final ordeal. They face their biggest challenge, often requiring them to confront their deepest fears or weaknesses. And finally, we have the achievement. They reach the goal, but often they discover something even more profound, personal growth or insight. So let's look at the essential ingredients for crafting a compelling quest. We start with a purpose. The quest needs a clear and meaningful goal. Why is this mission so important to the protagonist and what is at stake? Those need to be very clearly defined at the very beginning of your process. In finding Nemo, Marlin's goal is to rescue his son, Nemo. His purpose is deeply personal and it is emotionally resonant. Then they must face challenges. The journey must be filled with obstacles both external and internal. These challenges will test the protagonist's strength, resolve, and character. In the Lord of the Rings, Frodo faces physical dangers like orbs and psychological challenges like the corrupting influence of the ring. Notice how he faces both external and internal challenges to make his growth even more compelling. Your character will often find either allies or companions because a quest is rarely a solo endeavor. Allies provide support, wisdom, and even comic relief, which is something we all love and want. In Indiana Jones, the character often teams up with resourceful companions who help him overcome traps or villains. Finally, and most importantly, growth and transformation. By the end of the journey, your protagonists should be changed by their experiences. The goal might be achieved, but it's their internal growth that leaves a lasting impression. So Marlin not only finds Nemo, but he also learns to let go of his overprotective tendencies and trust his son. This is what makes us feel like there is actual growth to the character instead of him just running from one end of the ocean to the other. Let's break down my absolute favorite quest story ever written the Lord of the Rings. This is a classic example of this plot. We start with a call to action. Frodo is tasked with destroying the one ring to save the Middle Earth, and this sets the entire journey into motion. Then we have the journey itself. Along the way, Frodo faces countless obstacles. He faces dangerous terrains, betrayals, and the ever present temptation of the ring. This bit combines internal struggles with external struggles to highlight Frodo's character arc and emotional growth and journey. This leads us to the final ordeal. In Mount Doom, Frodo summons all of his courage and destroys the one ring, overcoming not just the external threats but his internal struggle with temptation. And all of this leads us to his achievement. Frodo completes his mission successfully, and that's good. But the journey changes him forever and he realizes that he can no longer return to the live he once had because he is now a different person entirely. We set out to save the Shia sin and it has been saved. But not for me. And when you are creating your own quest, ask yourself these key questions. First of all, what is the protagonists ultimate goal, and why does it matter so much to them? What are the obstacles that they are going to face along their way? Who will be helping them and how will these relationships evolve throughout the journey? How does your protagonist grow and change by the end of your story? While you're doing all of this, just remember a quest is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, if not more about the journey even. Now let's think of the quest of your protagonist. Start by identifying their ultimate goal and then outline at least three major challenges that they will be facing along their way. For a bit of inspiration, look at your favorite quest stories and look at how they balance the external journey with the internal growth of the characters. Take notes and apply these techniques to your story. In the next lesson, we'll explore the voyage and return. This is another classic plot all about leaving, learning, and transforming until then, reflect on your protagonist's journey and start building the framework for their quest and I will see you in the next lesson. 7. Voyage and Return: Leaving and Learning: Welcome back. Today we're diving into voyage in return. This is one of the most intriguing plot strutures so I can't wait to get started. This story explores what happens when a character ventures into a strange world, learns valuable lessons, and comes back eventually to their starting point, but is forever changed. Voyage in return is all about taking your protagonist out of their comfort zone and placing them into a world that is unfamiliar, challenging, or even dangerous. The key is how they adapt, what they learn, and how they transform before returning home. This plot often unfolds in five stages. The call to adventure. So the protagonist leaves their ordinary world for the unknown. Then they enter into the strange new world. So they encounter new rules, new people, new challenges, and they get to their conflict. They face obstacles that test their resilience and adaptability. After that, they escape or return, so they find a way back to their normal world. But this all leads us to their transformation. Their journey has changed them and they bring newfound wisdom and strength back. With them. To write a compelling plot of voyage and return, you need to focus on these key elements. You need to start with the ordinary world. You need to establish the protagonist's life before this journey. This will give us context to how much they've changed by the end. I want to look at the very first moment I saw your character and then be able to look at the very, very last one and think, Oh my God, they're nothing alike. In the lion king, Sima begins as a carefree cub in the Pride lands and we all know that this is not what he ends up being at the end. Then we get to this strange new world. Make this new world vibrant and really distinct because it should challenge the protagonist's worldview or abilities. Myself, as an audience, I should be able to see this really clear difference between the two. In Alice in Wonderland, the new world is full of bizarre characters and rules that force her to think really differently. Then your character faces challenges and lessons. The protagonist should face conflicts that force them to grow. These challenges often reveal their strengths and truths about themselves and if you want my advice, they can also reveal weaknesses about your character that they can then overcome. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy learns the value of courage, love, and home through her encounters with the Scarecrow, Tin Men, and the cowardly lion. Finally, we get to the return. The journey must come full circle. So your protagonists should return home with a clearer understanding of themselves and of the world around them. To bring it full circle, we'll go back to the lion king. Simba returns to the Pride lands to reclaim his throne, having grown into the true leader. And since we're talking about the lion king, anyways, let's see how the lion king shows us a brilliant example of voyage and return. So the call to action is when Simba's carefree life is disturbed when tragedy strikes and he flees the Pride Lands. Then the strange new world is when Simba grows up in the jungle with Timon and Pumba embracing the Hakuna matata lifestyle. Hakuna Matata? Yeah, it's our bottle. The conflict. The conflict is when Simba must confront his past. This is when Nala finds him and reminds him about his responsibilities. Don't you understand your only hope. Then we have his return, so he goes back to the Pride lands to face Scott and restore balance. And finally, his transformation, Simba evolves from a reluctant exile to a courageous king who embraces his true identity. Edi'sHart voyage and Return is all about change. The protagonist experiences this strange world to provide themselves with lessons that they need to grow. So really, you're writing a voyage and return story, not for the voyage, not for the journey, but because if your character wasn't pulled out of their natural world of the status quo, they would never have had the chance to learn what they need to learn to become who they really should be. Think about your story. What does your protagonist need to learn? And how does your strange New World challenge them? Also, think about how are they different when they return. There is one really common pitfall with writing virgin return stories that I think you should avoid at all costs. Of course, we can talk about flat characters where the protagonist doesn't really change in a meaningful way or we can talk about rushed endings, where the transformation is given just to wrap up the story quickly. But this is quite common with any plot. What I'm talking about is unclear rules or world building. Because in this specific plot, it's so important for you to build the two worlds clearly and distinctly from one another. The strange world should be intriguing and consistent. And if the audience can't follow the logic of this world, they will lose interest. So please watch out for this pitfall. Now it's your turn. Choose a story with a voyage return plot, maybe a favorite book, a movie, a show, analyze how the protagonists journey changes them. And if you're working on your own story, start outlining the stages of your character's journey. What are the challenges that they are going to face in this strange world and how will they help them grow? In the next lesson, we'll explore another classic plot, the comedy. This one is all about misunderstandings and funny situations that ultimately hopefully will lead us to a happy ending. But until then, think about the strange worlds you've loved and stories and how they've shaped the characters who ventured there, and I will see you next time. 8. Comedy: The Art of Laughter: Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're diving into one of the most beloved and van enough trickiest story types to ever master the comedy. Now, when we think of comedy, we can often imagine funny lines and laugh out loud moments. But in storytelling, comedy is so much more than that. Comedy at its heart is about navigating chaos, misunderstandings, and the absurdities of life often leading to growth, reconciliation, or clarity. So let's explore how to create a compelling comedic character arg while keeping your audience entertained the entire time. The comedy plot structure typically follows this trajectory. We start with chaos. The world here is out of balance, and this is often due to misunderstandings, to deception, or to clashing personalities. And then we move on to a conflict. The characters navigate a series of escalating complications and misadventures. Number three is clarity. The truth comes out, misunderstandings are resolved, or characters see their own flaws, and this leads us to the harmony where relationships are restored and life returns to a better, more balanced state. Now the hallmark of comedy is that it often focuses on relationships. They can be romantic, they can be familial, they can be social, but it often highlights the ridiculousness of human behavior and human interactions. To craft a compelling comedic story, focus on these key features. You need misunderstanding. A lot of the comedy stems from mistaken identities, miscommunication, or characters jumping to the wrong conclusions, let your characters do exactly that. In the importance of being earnest, the entire plot revolves around mistaken identities and the chaos they cause. Then give us some exaggeration, amplify quirks, amplify flaws, amplify the situations to absurd levels. In the ground Budapest Hotel, Wes Anderson uses exaggerated characters and situations to create a world that is both whimsical and hilarious. Because we're doing comedy, you just can't forget irony and wit, because comedies thrive on unexpected twists and clever dialogues. In groundhog day, the irony is in Phil reliving the same day over and over, using humor to explore his personal growth. You heard of deja vu, miss Lancaster? I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen. And you always need a resolution. Unlike in tragedies, comedies almost always end on a hopeful or harmonious note. So it's all about bringing characters and relationships into alignment. At the core of any comedic story, you will find character transformation. The chaos your characters navigate should teach them something about themselves or about the world around them. Let's talk about Groundhog Day, for example. Phil starts as a self absorbed jerk stuck in a time loop through repeated failures and absurd situations, he learns kindness, humility, and love. Comedy makes his transformation engaging and relatable. To write a strong comedic arc, focus on the flaws of your character and start with exaggerating them. These are the seeds of comedy. A character who's overly arrogant like filling Groundhog Day or obsessively meticulous like Monsieur Gustav in Grand Budapest Hotel works brilliantly. Give your character obstacles and put them in situations that highlight these flaws or in ridiculous or ironic ways. Force a clumsy character to attend a formal dinner or let someone who needs to inherit a lot of money give away their fortune. And most importantly, like in literally any other character arc you need, say it with me, growth. Use humor to guide your character towards self awareness and resolution, sure, but know that their flaws should be addressed in a way that feels organic to the comedy tone of your story. Now, let's talk about the ground Budapest Hotel as an example of comedic storytelling. The flaws here are simple. Gustave is vain, dramatic, and overly fixated on his hotel's reputation. The obstacles are that he is framed for murder and he is forced into a series of ridiculous situations from escaping prison to fleeing Assassins. Then the growth is in the fact that along the way, he reveals surprising bravery, loyalty, and kindness. Take your hands off my lobby boy. This transforms him from caricature into a compelling and layered character. Comedy in this story doesn't just entertain us. It is there for a purpose. It actually deepens our understanding of Gustave and the world that he inhabits. Now, in writing comedy, there are some common pitfalls that can really, really, really draw your story back, and one of them is forced humor. In short, if a joke is out of place or it disturbs the flow of your story or if it's just there because you feel like you maybe need a joke, but you don't see how this works here, just cut it. Comedy should always feel organic to the characters and the plot. In similar vein, a lack of depth is something horrendous in a comedy. You should never sacrifice emotional stakes for humor. Even in comedy, audiences want to connect with your characters, and you cannot rely solely on your jokes to force your audience to watch the hallway through. In a similar fashion, one dimensional characters don't work in comedies, or in my personal opinion, they don't really work anywhere, but that's besides the point. Basically just avoid creating characters who exist solely as joke machines. Give them flaws, give them goals, give them growth, make them people. Now, if you're writing a comedic theme, try thinking about your protagonists flaws and figure out how they can lead them to a absurd misunderstanding and then brainstorm how that misunderstanding could guide them towards growth and resolution. See how it all ties together. Just remember Comedy always thrives on truth, and the best laughs come from situations or characters that feel real even when they're exaggerated. Comedy might seem light hearted on the surface, but it's incredibly powerful as a tool for exploring character transformation and relationships. In the next lesson, we'll dive into tragedy. The flip side of this storytelling coin, where flawed choices and fateful consequences drive the narrative, but until then, find the humor in your favorite stories and in your own writing, and I will see you in the next lesson. 9. Tragedy: The Fall: Welcome back. So we've already explored the joy, the adventure, and the laughter in our last lesson, but now it's time to shift gears and delve into one of the most profound story types, tragedy. Tragedy is the story of a fall, a character's descent into failure, destruction, or even death. It's all about how human flaws, choices and circumstances lead to irreversible consequences. It's heavy, but it's also one of the most powerful ways to explore character transformations. In this lesson, we'll uncover how to craft compelling, tragic arcs, the key element of a tragedy, and how to ensure that your audience is moved by your story instead of overwhelmed by despair. A tragedy is a story where the protagonists flaw combined with their choices and external circumstances lead to their ultimate downfall. This is a journey that reveals the fragility of human nature. But here's the key. Tragedy is not about hopelessness. It is about truth. Tragedies hold a mirror to humanity and they show us the consequences of unchecked ambition of pride of despair. Let's break it down into four key components. We start with a floor. Your protagonist must have a central floor, something deeply rooted in their personality. It can be pride, greed, jealousy, self doubt, I don't care. In Macbeth, his flow is unchecked ambition. His desire for power drives the entire tragedy. Then we have a choice. Tragedy hinges on pivotal decisions. The character must actively choose their path, even if they don't fully understand the consequences and they will always make the wrong choice driven by their flaw. Michael Corleone, in the godfather chooses to embrace his family's criminal empire, believing that he can protect them. Notice how the reason he makes this choice is not as bad, but still he makes the bad choice, ultimately leading him to a downward spiral. Then there's consequences for your character. These choices lead to inevitable and often devastating consequences. In Joker, Arthur's actions alienate him from society and culminate in violence and chaos. Then we have a catharsis. A catharsis essentially means a release. In this case, a tragedy must evoke emotional release or insight. The audience should walk away with a sense of understanding, not just sadness. In Romeo and Juliet, the death of the lovers reconcile their feuding families, providing a bittersweet resolution. As we learned last time, in comedy, characters grow and improve, but in tragedy, the arc is often a downward spiral. Let's outline a tragic arc. We start with an introduction. Show the protagonists flow and their world. Then give me some rising action. The flow begins to influence their choices. Then we reach a turning point. This is when your protagonist makes a pivotal decision that seals their fate. We then get to a climax, so the full consequences of their action unfold here. Finally, we have the falling action. The character confronts their downfall often with a moment of recognition or regret, but it's often slightly too late. In Macbeth, the story begins with his noble ambitions, but as he chooses murder to gain power, his world crumbles culminating in his ultimate defeat or death. You might be wondering, why would I want to write something so dark? Well, the answer is simple. Connection. Tragedies resonate because they are deeply human. We all struggle with flaws and face moments when our choices shape our identity and our destiny. A well written tragedy doesn't just tell us out story, I illuminates the human condition and it shows us the consequences of our actions and the importance of self awareness. Now, let's look at the godfather as an example of a more modern tragedy. We start with the flaw. Michael begins with good intentions, but his growing ruthlessness and desire for control eventually become his downfall. But you're not like him, Michael. I thought you weren't going to become a man like your father. That's what you told me. His choice? Well, he chooses to protect his family, but by becoming a part of the crime empire, believing, he can keep it honorable. His consequence is simple. Over time, Michael alienates his loved ones and loses his moral center, ending up isolated and broken. This journey is deeply compelling because it feels inevitable, yet it's heartbreaking. We see how small decisions snowball into a complete transformation. If you're writing a tragic arc, start with the protagonist's flaw and outline how it influences their choices and leads to their downfall. Think about their moment of recognition. When do they realize the role that this played in their fate? And how can you make it emotionally powerful and thought provoking? Tragedy is a powerful way to explore the depths of human nature. I personally love this genre and by understanding its structure and key elements, you can create stories that resonate deeply with your audience. In the next lesson, we'll tackle rebirth. This is the perfect contrast to the inward struggle of a tragedy. I will see you there. 10. Rebirth: A Journey of Redemption: Come back. In our last lesson, we explore tragedy. This is where characters face their downfall and are consumed by their flaw. But in this lesson, we'll be diving into one of the most uplifting and transformative plot types rebirth. The word rebirth often makes people think of something religious. But this story type is about a character who goes through a process of renewal, overcoming their past mistakes and evolving into a better version of themselves. We'll discover today how to craft compelling rebirth arcs, what makes them so emotionally resonant, and how to ensure that a character's transformation feels earned unbelievable. Rebirth is all about personal redemption. This is a plot where the protagonist, often after experiencing a fall or a period of self doubt, faces a catalyst for change that sets them on a path toward healing and growth. This is a story of someone who after making mistakes or being broken by their own flaws, finds a way to overcome those limitations and rise new. Think of Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge starts as a miserly, selfish man, but by the end, he's transformed into someone who values generosity and kindness. This og is central to the rebirth plot, and it's a powerful way to show human resilience. Thank you for that glorious music on this glorious Christmas day. To craft a compelling rebirth story, we can break it down into four stages. We start with the fall from grace. This is where the character begins in a broken or lost state, often facing the consequences of their past actions that we haven't seen in this story. They may be disillusioned in denial or even wallowing in despair. In the lion king, Simba runs away after causing his father's death, believing himself responsible. He's lost and he's directionless. But then your character will find a catalyst for change. Something happens that forces the protagonists to confront their flaws and the consequences of their actions. And this is the moment that sparks their journey towards redemption. So Simba meets Rafiki who helps him understand that the past doesn't define him and that he must take responsibility for his future. You move fass boy. Bye. This is where the redemption art kicks in. The character goes through trials and challenges that test their resolve. They must actively choose to change often through an external challenge or a personal revelation. Simba returns to Pride Rock to confront Scar, realizing that he must embrace his role as king to restore balance in his world. And finally, we have a transformation. So a character's growth culminates in their transformation. They emerge wiser, stronger, and with a renewed sense of purpose, often impacting the world around them in a positive way. Simba steps up as King, healing the lands in his relationships and the circle of life is restored. The key here is that the transformation is earned. It's not about magic or a sudden change. It's a process that involves self reflection, personal growth, and sometimes a bit of help from others. Rebirth stories resonate because they tap into a universal feeling of regret of hope and the possibility for change. We all have moments in our lives when we wish we could undo our mistakes or start over again. And the rebirth plot gives your audience hope that transformations like that are possible and that even the most Florida broken person can find redemption. But here's the challenge. You need to make sure that the transformation is believable. Your audiences need to see the character struggle. They need to earn their redemption, not just have it handed to them. If the transformation feels too easy or too sudden, it just won't land emotionally. Let's take a closer look at how to build a believable rebirth g that resonates. We start with showing the inner struggle. The characters journey towards redemption must be complicated. They should face moments of doubt, resistance or even temptation to revert to their old habits. This is what makes their transformation feel and for example, in Batman begins, Bruce Wayne struggles with his desire for vengeance, but he ultimately chooses a path of justice, which is his true rebirth. Then give your character a challenge. Redemption should not come easy and it doesn't come easy. The characters should face an external challenge, external, mind you, that forces them to confront their flaws head on. In the pursuit of happiness, Will Smith's character faces extreme hardships and the constant threat of failure. But through perseverance, he rises above his circumstances. Make your character's change personal. The transformation should come from within. This isn't just about changing your behavior, it's about changing the mindset, the priorities, or the self perception of your character. In the karate kid, Daniel Larosau's journey isn't just about learning karate. It's about overcoming his insecurities and embracing discipline and self respect. Show the impact of the transformation. The characters change should affect more than just themselves. It should resonate with their relationships and environment. Show that redemption which has a ripple effect. In Lems, Jean's transformation from a hardened criminal to a compassionate man impacts everyone around him from cosette to the inspector. If there's another way to go. A rebirth story can be incredibly powerful because it speaks to the potential for change that we all carry within us, and it doesn't matter how far someone has fallen, the possibility of redemption is always within reach. By crafting a rebirth plot, you can give your audience a story of hope and growth in something that sticks with them long after the credits roll. If you're writing a rebirth arc, start with a character who is at the lowest point and ask yourself, what flaw or mistake are they trying to overcome? What event or realization sparked their transformation, and how will they change by the end of the story? Make sure that the journey feels ended and show the external and internal challenges they face along the way. At the end of their arc, think about how their transformation will impact the world around them. Rebirth is a plot full of hope and potential and when done well, it can leave your audience feeling inspired, and that is all. Those are all of the seven basic plots. Next up, we'll talk about how you can use this inspiration to write your own character journeys, and I'll see you in the next one. 11. Crafting Your Own Character Arc: Welcome back. In this lesson, we're going to put everything that we learned about the seven basic plots into practice. We'll break down how to use one of these plots to craft a compelling character arc, and I'll guide you step by step on how to identify key moments of transformation in your character's journey. And by the end of this lesson, you'll have the tools to build your character arcs, whether it's for your next screenplay or novel. First, you need to pick one of the seven basic plots. Today, I'm going to use rebirth as an example, but this same process can be applied to any of the plots. Take a moment to think about which plot resonates with the story you want to tell and ask yourself, what transformation do you want your characters to go through? What challenges will they face and what's the final payoff? Now let's start with your protagonist's initial state. Where are they emotionally, mentally or physically at the beginning of your story? This is where you'll define their flaws or weaknesses. In a rebirth plot, for example, your character might be stuck in a negative pattern like Ebenezer Scrooge, who starts out greedy and selfish. So what is your character's flaw? Is it arrogance? Is it self doubt? Is it fear of intimacy? This is the foundation of their journey, and they need to be in a state that requires growth for the transformation to be meaningful. The next step is identifying the catalyst. What forces your character to confront their flaws? In a rebirth plot, this often comes in the form of a wake up call or a life changing event that shakes the protagonist out of their complacency. In the lion king, Simba's encounter with Rafiki serves as the catalyst, urging him to face his past and reclaim his role as a king. So think about an event or realization that will push your character to confront their weakness and begin their journey toward transformation. This moment sets the story in motion and starts your character's emotional arc. After the catalyst, your character must face trials. These are the challenges that test them and force them to change. In a rebirth arc, these trials often force the protagonists to face uncomfortable truths about themselves. These challenges help your characters grow making their eventual transformation feel earned. For example, in the pursuit of happiness, will Smith's character faces financial struggles and rejections, but he keeps pushing forward learning resilience and your character needs through go to struggles that stretch them emotionally or morally. These trials are the crucible in which that transformation of theirs will happen. At some point in the story, your protagonist will have a turning point. This is an aha moment when they realize that they need to change. This is usually the climax of their internal journey. For Simba, his turning point comes when he understands that he is not responsible for his father's death and he is capable of becoming the king that he was meant to be. So what is your character's turning point? Is it an emotional realization? Is it a moral choice? This moment of clarity is what drives the final stages of their arc and sets their ultimate transformation into motion. Now comes the heart of the arc, the transformation itself. This is where your character fully embraces that change. They demonstrate the growth they've gone through, and they are now a different person entirely. For a rebirth plot, this means your character is no longer the person they were at the start. They've learned from their trials, they've overcome their weaknesses, and they've embraced a new perspective. In Lems Jean's transformation from a hardened criminal to a compassionate man isn't just about his actions. It's about his entire world view changing. How will your character demonstrate their growth? It could be a change in how they treat others or how they see themselves in the world. This is the payoff for their entire journey. The final step is to think about how your character's transformation will impact the world around them. How does the character's growth affect their relationships, their environment, or the story's world? In the Lion King, Simba's transformation from a lost cub to a wise leader affects the entire Pride lands, restoring balance and harmony. This is an important part of crafting a meaningful arc, showing that the change has consequences both for the character, but also for the world that they inhabit. If your character transforms, but it doesn't have an effect on the world around them, it might feel like your journey isn't complete just yet. Now that we've gone through the steps, it's time for you to apply them. Take a moment to outline character's arg using the rebirth plot or choose any of the seven basic plots that best fit your character's journey. Identify their starting points, the catalysts, the trials, the turning point, the transformation, and the impact of their transformation. This process will help you create powerful, believable character args that will resonate with your audience. In the next lesson, we'll be discussing mistakes that often trip people up and I'll show you how to avoid them. I'll see you there. 12. Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting: Welcome to the last lesson and congratulations on making it this far. By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to craft a character arc using the seven basic plots. Just as important as knowing how to write a character arc is understanding what can go wrong. In this lesson, we'll look at some common pitfalls writers face when developing character arcs, and more importantly, I'll tell you how to avoid them. Let's dive in. The first common mistake is the flat character arc. This is where your character doesn't undergo any real change. This makes your character feel static and it undermines the emotional impact of your story. Remember, a character arc should involve transformation, even if it is very subtle. Now, a flat character isn't always bad. Sometimes a character remains the same, but the world around them changes. For example, in the godfather, Michael Corleone, doesn't change in a conventional way. His transformation is more about the world becoming darker in him adapting to it. However, if your story hinges on a character's journey, their arc should reflect some form of growth. So ask yourself, how does this character change even if it's just a shift in perspective? Next is inconsistent character motivations. If your character's goals and desires change too abruptly or don't make sense, it will confuse your audience and undermine the believability of the arc. To avoid this, make sure your character's motivations are clear from the beginning and that each decision they make is a logical step in pursuit of their goal. For example, in the dark night, Bruce Wayne's motivation to stop the joker stems from his deep rooted sense of justice and the need to protect Gotham. So even when he's faced with moral dilemmas, his core motivations are consistent and believable. So before you write any major turning points, ensure your character's decisions reflect their core desires, values, and fears. Another common issue is having the character overcome obstacles too easily. A great character arc is about struggle and growth, but if everything comes too easily, it risks feeling unearned. For example, if your character is too good at everything or faces no significant challenges at all, the transformation feels hollow. In Rocky, the protagonist doesn't just feed Apollo Creed overnight. He trains, he struggles, he faces personal doubts and almost gives up before achieving victory. This struggle makes the payoff meaningful. So when you're developing your character's journey, just make sure that their obstacles are significant and that you've pushed them beyond their limits. Struggles lead to growth. They're good, so don't be afraid to put your character through an emotional ringler. A turning point is a crucial moment in any character arc. It's when the character realizes something profound about themselves, their situation, or their goal. Without a clear turning point, the transformation can feel disjointed or lack depth. Take the hunger games, for instance, Katnis has several turning points, but one major moment is when she volunteers to take her sister's place. This moment sets her on a new path and marks a significant shift in her arc. So be sure that your character has clear turning points, whether it's internal or external. The turning points should be propelling them towards the next phase of their arc. Next, this one's a big one, the miraculous transformation. This is where a character suddenly changes with little explanation. This can feel like a shortcut to avoid dealing with the hard work of character development. If you're a writer or a screenwriter, you really shouldn't be afraid of any of those. In a satisfying arc, the change needs to feel earned. It should be the result of everything your character has experienced up until this point. A great example of avoiding this is in the Shawshank redemption. Andy Dufrene doesn't just wake up one day and decide he's going to escape. His escape is a culmination of years of planning, suffering, and persistence. So your character's transformation must be grounded in their experience and don't rely on sudden unexplained changes. Finally, neglecting your character's relationship can weaken the impact of their arc. Character development is often shown through interactions with others. So make sure your character's relationship evolves alongside their personal transformation. Whether this is family, a friend or an enemy, these connections are often the mirror in which we see the growth of your character. In goodwill hunting, Will's relationship with Sean is key to his emotional journey. The conversations force Will to confront his past and fears. Start your foul. And your character's relationships should change and deepen as the character does. So don't overlook how these influence their arc. Now that we've covered the common pitfols, I want to take a moment and look at your character, Ark. Are any of these mistakes creeping in? If so, don't worry. This is all part of the process. The key is to keep your character's transformation believable, consistent, and earned. Now you're ready to create your dynamic and realistic characters. So take a deep breath and let's get ready to bring your character's journey to life.