betrayal arc
Ally turns enemy
A betrayal arc is a narrative trajectory in which a character who seemed trustworthy gradually or suddenly turns against allies.
The term comes from storytelling—film, television, video games—but applies to real-life situations: I didn't see his betrayal arc coming until he went to HR with screenshots.
The arc implies a buildup, distinguishing it from simple betrayal.
- double agentSpy betraying their side
- backstabBetray someone's trust
- stab in the backTreachery against an ally
- deceitDeliberate misleading of others
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
hidden agenda · villain · dark side · trust · trust issues · shattered · redemption · fallen · turncoat · manipulation · revenge · heartbreak · darkness · twist · slow burn · judas · knife · shadows
- character arcscharacter arc, arc, redemption arc, hero's journey, fall from grace
- plot elementsplot, protagonist, antagonist, main plot, subplot
betrayal arcredemption arc
Narrative journey toward atonement
hero's journey · turning over a new leaf · comeback story · growth arc · corruption arc
betrayal, betray, betrayed, betrayer, betraying, betrays, arcs, arcing, traitor