A character arc is the movement a character makes through a story. It can involve a change in belief, behaviour, priorities or understanding. The change feels earned when it grows from the events and choices in the manuscript.
Begin by identifying what the character wants at the start. Then consider what they believe they need and what they may be avoiding. These are not always the same thing. A character may want power but need security, or seek independence while fearing loneliness.
The plot should challenge those beliefs. Give the character decisions that reveal their priorities. Let those choices have consequences. Change should happen through experience rather than a sudden speech explaining what the character has learned.
Not every arc needs to be positive. A character may become more honest, more selfish or more determined. The important thing is that the movement makes sense.
In romance, both central characters need their own journeys. Their relationship can influence those journeys, but neither character should exist only to fix or complete the other.
