How to Write a NEGATIVE Character Arc
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- Опубликовано: 4 авг 2024
- In today’s video we’re exploring how to write a negative character arc that frustrates your reader (in a good way) and leaves them thinking long after they finish your story. First I’m going to demystify the whole idea of negative character arcs, then I’m going to show you the ONE overarching structure that can be applied to any negative character arc (3 act story structure friendly!) and finally we’re going to case study some of my favorite negative character arcs and look at what makes them so compelling.
Stay tuned for PART 2: the case studies!
✨T I M E S T A M P S ✨
0:00 Introduction
2:17 The Disillusionment Arc
4:17 The Corruption Arc
6:09 The Fall Arc
7:14 Negative Character Arc Structure
12:03 Coming Up Next…
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My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!
Ladies and gentlemen, Cpt. Abbie has turned on the “fasten seatbelt” sign so please remain seated, keep the comment section lit and enjoy the show.
Okay, we have the Negative Arc. How about doing a complete negative to a positive arc? Please?! 🥺😁
So the redemption arc?
I would be down for that! There's some characters of mine who start in the negative and ultimately realize the truth.
My character "starts" as good.. she is the hero.. but was a bully as a child because of situations so in the present story she has to remind herself she's not that girl anymore so she is very susceptible to corruption so in book2 she gets corrupted which starts her negative character arc and by the end she needs a redemption arc.. because she is the hero afterall
Zuko
Mine is the positive to negative to positive arc 😂
So I just decided I 100% now have a disillusionment arc. For years, now, I'm tried to make my MC have a positive character arc but make a sacrifice at the end of the book, but now I realize the reason I've been struggling soooo much with this is because it doesn't reconcile with her or the rest of the novel. So disillusionment it is. She discovers a tinted view of the truth and just can't handle it (then decides she "might as well sacrifice" herself as well). RIP MC 😭😭😭I'm so, so sorry it had to be this way, ilysm
When you learn more on RUclips than school....
Jokes aside I really am glad that this content is available for people because it really helps me understand books, and how to write books, I’ve been taking notes for future reference and I love how it is understandable. Thanks for the content and keep up the great work!
Amen to that!
The more I watch your videos the more I realize why Avatar Last Airbender has been my favorite story of all time for over a decade. Azula chooses the wrong thing every time without fail and meets a bitterly sad end in the story and directly opposing her, Zuko eventually stops believing the lie and completes the redemption arc we were all aching for the whole time and it's so very satisfying to see them battle it out in the final episode because of that.
I need to go watch the show again LOL 😂
Fax
Facts
ATLA is indeed the best story of all time (for me). It literally has everything. The best character development, the best pacing, world building, dynamic characters list, a plot that isn't too dark nor too light. There's friendship, family, romance, betrayal, death, redemption, culture, and world issues like war, sexism, poverty, bullying, manipulation, hypnotism, and more. Almost all themes that matter in life are there. It's amazing they have weaved everything in one show.
As someone who brags about being a pessimist and insists that consciously deciding to be pessimistic is the best way to get through life, it has come to my attention that I may have experienced a disillusionment arc, likely caused by my extensive trauma.
I see in this comment the begging game of a redemption arch! Happy for you!!
"Realistically optimistic" - *Abbie is Dr. Carl confirmed*
I would say i am realistically pessimistic
A optimist realist is me
We all just need to be Westons lol 😍😏 #realisticallyoptimistic
Just finished rereading 100 Days Of Sunlight and I was reading it out loud with my husband and booooi let me tell you, it's a challenge reading out load when your throat is so tight from holding back tears from ALL the emotions! @abbieemmons you're a writing genius and I have great respect for you 💛😊
Great timing! I’m working on a negative character arc for a side character right now. This couldn’t have come at a better time.
Disillusionment - Eren from AOT (If we kill our enemies out there, will we finally be free?)
Corruption - Anakin from Star Wars
Fall - Lelouch from Code Geass
Eren fits into Fall, aswell
Anakin falls into all three - he becomes disillusioned with the attachment-free philosophy of the Jedi Order, is corrupted (very deliberately) by Sidious, and Falls, losing everything - including Padme - as a result of his fear of losing Padme and willingness to do anything, no matter how terrible, if he can gain power over death.
When you realize your MC is an anti-hero with a negative character arc...
Honestly didn’t know what a negative character arc was. Watched the video and it’s describing my main character’s arc XD
Thank you so much. I’ve never considered writing in any other way than I have since I was 14. Never even knew that there was such thing as a pantser and a plotter. Your outlines and explanations really are helping me so much! Keep up the kind work, it is really bringing the big writing monster to a palatable level to encourage people to put in the work.
I was literally writing out my character arcs and discovered negative arcs. Right on time. Great video Abby!
Abby knows that a single writer is watching the video so she says "friend" but yeah it makes me happy to picture a group of writer friends just watching stuff together. Or like in a class. That sounds adorable
Abbie Your videos have really helped me in creating my stories. Lately I've thought that all of my stories have been pointless and there's no point. But everytime I watch your videos I realize my story can matter :) I learn so much from you every time!!
Perfect timing! I was just wishing to myself the past week or so that you would have a negative character arc video, as that is what I’m currently struggling with. Thank you!
Please do "How to analyze stories and Learn from them" next.
I’d honestly kill for this lmao
I wasn’t needing this, but I got SUPER EXCITED to see this video in my notifications! Now I’m going to have to come up with an antagonist...
Woah I finally caught up to the current video!! This series is incredible Abbie, it's making the three act story structure make so much more sense! Thank you!
This is illuminating thanks. Working on an antagonist that trades one lie for another and feels justified because of it as they think they've changed for the better. This just helped me structure it. Really needed this.
I've been waiting for this video for a really long time! Thank you!
Yes I’ve been waiting for this !!! Thank you Abbie!
Magical timing!! My protagonist gets a negative character arc... I didn't know how to execute it. Now I do. Thank you!!
Great video and good timing too! I'm just about to start planning something new where the protagonist has a negative Character arc, can't wait to see next week's video for some examples. In the meantime this will really help me get some of those plot points sorted.
Your positive energy and passion is SO inspiring as a writer!! 😁
You are the most insightful storytelling teacher I have found, keep doing this!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO FOR FOREVER
Happy New Year sister! I find your vlog useful and sharp. Thank you!
Hi Abbie, I'm a big fan of yours. I have recently published my debut novel and I dedicate it to you. You have been the reason why I was able to pull off this novel. You have no clue how I feel saying this but I have goosebumps at the moment. Really really thank you. I don't know what I would have done if I had not come against your videos. Really really fantastic job. Thank you so much. Gratitude.
Please please please could you give more examples. I don’t necessarily mean from a book or a movie (although they are also helpful). Even just giving a brief, random example helps my brain to understand. I often have to rewatch these videos over and over to understand them properly :)
What you described is exactly what my “villain” goes through
I'm just outlining a project with a negative character arc so this is perfect timing!
My favourite example of this is Theon Greyjoy, he has all of these steps. He had the potential to be good at the start, and had a fear based choice of going to see his father. Game changing point, when he went to his father's side. This led to his acceptance of a lie, with going to Winterfell and burning the two farm boys. And finally he had his tragic end, being captured and tortured by Ramsay Bolton and he was destroyed.
LOVE this. Super helpful and exactly what I needed!
Ooo, I'm diggin' the soundtrack.
Oof you know when she says to grab a notebook things get real!
I GOT THE REFERENCE! YEAH WESTON!
Awesome video! Looking forward to seeing those case studies :)
This video was very helpful! Thank you for making it! Have an amazing day!
Abbie, I've started watching your videos recently, and, honestly, I am reconsidering whether or not to continue producing my own AuthorTube videos, since yours are so awesome and informative!
Love Your Work, You Are My New Hero...
Keep up This Good Work, Sweetie!!!
That's right, someone who undergoes a negative arc is a conflicted person. That same conflict is also a great set up for a redemption or for any great positive arc. However, I think that one can also be completely on the good or the bad side and still undergo a negative or positive arc. Although that is something more difficult to achieve and needs a longer story in order to be successful & believable. However, it still aligns with your arguments in the video, as it does indeed need to go from his extreme belief to a conflicted state and then the ultimate change.
This video was a great analysis. We've been fans of your channel for a long time now.
Keep it up!
I'm so glad that the corruption story I'm writting starts with an already conflicted character. Now that I watched your video, I'm more confident! Thank you
Today I was writing character profile for my new novel and I thought to myself: "It would be so useful if Abbie made negative character arc video". And bam here you are! Wow!!
Awesome! I'm currently writing a one for my game and this will certainly help! Thank you very much!
Hi Abbie. My favorite negative character arcs from modern times are Anakin Skywalker's, Walter White's and from ancient Greek mythology Ajax, who out of false pride committed suicide and he told his beautiful wife, not to deter him from his decision. He said to her, no jewel more precious on a woman than silence. Very dramatic dialogue, if you ask me.
Your way off explaining is great,and mind opening. I can take a three word comment and write three pages of what i perceive from those three words. Listening to your explanations wake up things in my mind. And even though you are teaching about writing books. You can use some or all of you teachings in real life. Or at least you can recognize symptoms in others. My mission is to write books not to try and figure out whats in peoples minds. But it wakes up my mind towards something for a new character and plot. Thanks.
Is it just me or is that intro lookin even snappier this year??? 🔥🔥 And, Abbiee, your hair is goregeous!!!!! Love!!!
I have some counter points to yours (1) a character doesn't have to be in a state of disbelief at the beginning they can be positive at first and naive (2) the character doesn't always have to embrace a lie they have seen the truth and they're acting on that so the character can be evil but still have a point they might be twisted but still right in someway
one example of a negative character arc that i recently saw was for robbie keene on cobra kai (really awesome show, btw). robbie was already a troubled kid from the start of the show (high school drop out and petty thief, on top of hating his dad for not being around) but in season 2 he had found a mentor figure who became a father figure to him. but then robbie kicked his rival over a balcony and put him in a coma, forcing him to go on the run. in season 3, his father figure turned robbie over to the police so that robbie could get his life back together the legal way, but he saw this as a betrayal and shunned his father figure from then on. while in jail, he was visited by the antagonist who told him that he doesnt belong in jail and encouraged him to embrace his aggression. thus the antagonist became his new father figure and when he was released from jail he soon found himself joining forces with him.
how this will turn out for him in season 4 remains to be seen, so we dont have the tragic end just yet. but so far we do have the conflict (robbie wants a father figure to seek guidance from), the fear based choice (rejecting his dad and mentor and seeing them both as failures), the game-changer (meeting the antagonist), and the acceptance of the lie (robbie takes the antagonist's advice to heart and joins his side).
Ohh this is so great! Especially because this is the arc I am writing right now!
Girl, I must admit, at first I hated you because I was like, what authortuber runs ads? But I was wrong. You provide so much help for writers. Love you and subscribed now. Keep doing good! 👍
I got the “realistically optimistic” reference. Nice Touch! And thanks for the great video!
It rang the bell for me, but I couldn't quite catch it. What was it?
@Miranda Osmelak A good old reference to 100 Days of Sunlight!
@@Spark_is_right_here thank you:)
YAS ABBIE! SLAY! Can you do a revision and editing series...and then a publishing / business side of things series! Thanks love ya ! 💕
Amazing steps. It was exactly what I needed for my main character.
I love these videos! Im addicted to them.
Now you got me thinking if I should give my negative character an arc
I'VE WAITED FOR THIS SO LONG!!!!! THANK YOU ABBIE!!!!!! 💛💛💛
SAME HERE🎉💛
3:22 wow! Thank you for this. I was skeptical that my protagonist was on a negative character arc because there wasn't a lie she accepted, rather she repeatedly learns and accepts harsh truths. She doesn't react to these revelations by changing the world, or herself for the better, ( she explicitly avoids trying to change the world ) but by bending, avoiding, exploiting, and ignoring the rules. She is on a negative character by continually leaning further towards pessimism.
Best channel to discover during Pandemic 🖤
Amazing video! Totally got the reference 🙃💛 And love the new music!!
Whats up with the passive aggressive smile emoji?
@@hedgehogz_rockz9325 hahah nothing is up to be honest! I just like the emoji and used it without knowing what it meant.
They're great tips for writing Noir, and Neo-noir. Thank you!
Incredibly helpful, thank you
Omg I've always called myself an Optimistic Realist... I'm so thankful I'm not alone! haha
Hi Abbie,
I usually really like your videos and always learn a lot from them, but this time I feel like there's something missing. I think it would be very helpful to explain the topic with some good examples.
I'd love to write a story about a main character with a negative arc, but everytime I start to write I feel like the story is to dark and depressing. I have hoped to find some advice on struggles like this, maybe you could make a more in depth video on this topic some day?
Amazing video!
This was more thought provoking for my books. Thank you
i realized that the only difference between a positive and a negative character arc is whether or not you agree with the opinion that the character arrives to at the end
Your videos help me a LOT! 😍🤩💜
Loved the reference to 100 Days of Sunlight.
I don't generally enjoy negative character arc stories although I recognize the value and potential as a storytelling device and I see how it can be used to make antagonist more interesting, I'm also curious to her the authors view on combining negative story arc and a redemption story
One of my MCs is a stubborn rebel of a teen always teasing the possibility of falling into the negative character arc without following through. It would be a good exercise to see where a negative character arc would lead them.
This inspired me to think about using this as a the character arc for one of my main character's parents' plots. (Confusing, I know!)
How to write a redemption arc for your villain if you're planning to redeem them? #Askabbie
Very helpful, thank you!
"Is the truth tragic?" Well, given that life enables suffering where there used to be none, I for one think the truth of the inevitable eventual extinction of all life is a good reason to be optimistic - but somehow most people don't seem to agree with me... 😁
I was watching your video and a thought came to my mind....
Do you apply some kind of structure to your videos to make your viewers hooked (just like you do in your books)?
Because I ALWAYS feel hooked watching your videos. They not only help me to write, but they also entertain me a lot.
Loved that! Realistically optimistic! 😂
Early I love this so much
YAAAS! Abbie finally turned to the dark side!
This was so helpful
One of my characters has a negative character arch that’s the complete opposite of how my character ends in the novel like parallel opposite storylines super excited
Abbie, first of all, great video! I wanted to ask you something that has me a little confused about mi novel draft. One of my main characters does indeed go through a growth journey, but in the end engages on an action that somewhat contradicts that change. BUT I really put a lot of thinking into it, since it's a kind of sacrifice made in saving another protagonist, his daughter, and through deception. So, I wanted to make it as if he sacrifices his own arc or growth for her sake and freedom. At least in appearance, it’s like he pretends to be the man he was when he started his path, but even he doesn’t know to which extent, but ending on a hopeful note for a better future, knowing what he did and what it means for him. Is there such thing as "sacrificing your own arc"? Is this a negative arc? Or is it just a blunt inconsistency that damages my story?
Dr. horrible sing along blot follows this really well! 7:14
Today is the first day I don't come from the future and can't click the link on the top
Yeah Abby😀😀😀😀😀.
Great video, could you do a video on how to write a serial novels and also how to find your characters deepest fear.
Thanks👍👍👍💖💖💖💖
I just realized...we - the authors - are the REAL creator of their destiny, since we make them choose the wrong thing. You might love them as real people, but they're still fictional. And I just shattered many hearts bc of Tessa and Weston...with my sentence before this one😂😂😂
And am I the only one who takes at least 3-page long word.docx notes and prints it off for Autumn? Tell me I'm not alone...xd
I write YA books with light romances and positive character arcs. I do not write negative character arcs. But this is still a great video. Abbie is so engaging and fun to listen to.
Out of curiosity, why don't you write neg. character arcs?
@@jge8144 I'm not against them, they just wouldn't fit in with what I write.
Michael Corleone from "THE GODFATHER", at least in the first film, is a great example of the corruption arc. I've seen a video from studio binder where they explain how it is written beautifully through the story and script. I recommend anybody trying to write a negative character arc or a corruption arc specifically, to go watch the film and to watch the video by studio binder. It gives amazing insights.
Will you be doing a positive character arc video? That one would be really helpful!
Hi! I’m a bit new to your channel but I have a Question. *How do you make a plot seem exiting and hook the reader in?* You might not see this, but if you do, thanks for sharing all of this information about writing! 🙂
I love your channel
Got it, Abbie. 😁😉 However there's one remark worth noting. I'd argue that most writers especially in the past would claim they had to or have to embrace their own pessimistic tendencies to be able to write a compelling story (or in some cases truths). - However I do believe more and more see the light and come to the more positive side of the aile... 😉
Secondly there's a plausible arc more than 'the one'. If the negative arc is not spawn from a lie per say but rather the 'de-evolution' of a psykopat. They might and most likely also have a lie based believe system, but not necessarily. Their view of the world however will be disaligned with the rest of the world or they will see things as the rest of the surroundings, but without being able to forego their urges. (Egg. Criminal Minds).
"Being realistically optimistic" "There's no such thing" 😂 100 Days of Sunlight!
Im only 11 and working on a dystopian with the main character having a negative character arc. This video helped a lot! I was thinking that the arc I made was a little cartoonish.
you’re awesome! I’m sure your story will be great! keep writing :)
@@nacholibrefan2 Thank you!
Ooh. Main character with a negative character arc. Now THAT has potential.
@@hedgehogz_rockz9325 Thank you! I’ve been working really hard on it to make sure it has potential
The Witch is an amazing negative character arc
It seems like all three character arcs are the different stages in one bigger negative character arc.
That’s actually a really interesting point. Maybe that’s how we are to incorporate all these into one like Abbie was saying was possible. I wish my story had a huge antagonist now, but decisions I made it the past have brought me to realize it’s only the characters getting in the way of their own goals.
Guess it’s time to write a new story that has nothing to do with my other ones!
@TayTay the Hufflepuff, yes, I have one character who I'm redeeming from his negative character arc and he went through all those stages. They all sound like him. Then I have another character who is the antagonist and he went through the disillusionment arc.
Arcane manage to combine these 3. I just learn this now. I really curios about your opinion on arcane.
Hi abbie ! i have a question: i'm writing a tv show and i feel like characters on tv never really transform and go back to they lie all the time (for the sake or not ending the story). do you have any advice for tv characters arc ? do they really transform ? can we write positive character arcs if they don't really change ? please help my brain hurts from overthinking this
After listening to this, I'm wondering if this one character of mine should have a negative character arc. Originally, I'd planned for Ian (that's his name) to have this constant downward spiral, but to sort of reach his breaking point when the person he's been following--the person who fed his lie--betrays him. To add to that, the person Ian had been rejecting saves him from dying...but now I'm wondering if it would make more sense for Ian to reject the truth even after seeing that. Idk, I'm worried my original idea will seem too rushed, but I'm also worried that having him reject the truth will give off a bad message. Any thoughts?
Depends on the truth, the story and character and how you present it, you do you