Writing Excuses 8.4: Side-Character Arcs

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Writing Excuses 8.4: Side-Character Arcs

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2013/01/27/writing-excuses-8-4-side-character-arcs/

Key points: Every character is the hero of their own story. A character arc is the change in the emotional state of a character from the beginning to the end of a story. Even side characters who do not get a viewpoint may need a character arc. Side character arcs can illustrate important points about the main characters. Side character arcs give your book a sense of depth. Side character arcs, with side character needs and motivations, let the side character be the hero of their own story. This lets the side character act on their own, even in conflict with the main character. Character arcs don't always get better -- a descent or betrayal is also a useful arc, sometimes. The side character arc descending can help raise the stakes. Showing us the side character's needs and wants, their arc, takes subtlety. Remember, even little people can hold a spear.
( The guard at the gate, the cleaning lady and the cook, the doorman... )

[Dan] That's your writing prompt for today. Write a story...
[Howard] Message for you, sire.
[Dan] In which Howard is the hero of the most boring story.
[Brandon] Yeah. No, no, it doesn't have to be Howard. The hero of the most boring story ever, and make it interesting. This has been Writing Excuses. You're out of excuses, now go write.