story arcs
Plot development paths
A story arc is the trajectory of a narrative or character through a sustained sequence of events—the shape a story takes from beginning to end.
In serialized television, a story arc spans multiple episodes: The show's third-season arc disappointed fans.
Character arcs trace development over time: His arc from villain to hero felt earned.
The term reflects how plots rise and fall like curves.
Systematic explanatory presentation
- rising actionPlot buildup toward climax
- falling actionPost-climax narrative decline
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
- denouementStory's final unraveling
resolution · inciting incident · setup · payoff · foreshadowing · flashback · pacing · three-act
Story's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- tensionStretched or strained state
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- obstacleSomething blocking the way
climax · resolution · confrontation · crisis · dilemma · rivalry · adversary · stakes
Protagonist's gradual internal transformation
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- coming-of-ageYouth becoming adulthood
- hero's journeyUniversal story pattern
fall from grace · rags to riches · tragedy · rebirth · disillusionment · enlightenment · metamorphosis · self-discovery
Travel from place to place
- missionPurpose-driven task
- goalDesired end result
- destinationIntended arrival point
- treasureValued wealth or keepsake
MacGuffin · odyssey · pursuit · search · pilgrimage · adventure · discovery · trials
Seeking another's romantic favor
- loversRomantic partners
- attractionPull toward something
- heartbreakCrushing emotional pain
- reunionGathering after separation
separation · forbidden love · rivals · confession · jealousy · devotion · betrayal · reconciliation
exposition
Systematic explanatory presentation
- rising actionPlot buildup toward climax
- falling actionPost-climax narrative decline
- climaxPoint of greatest intensity
denouement · resolution · inciting incident · setup · payoff · foreshadowing · flashback · pacing · three-act · beginning
protagonist
Story's central figure
- antagonistOne who opposes another
- tensionStretched or strained state
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
obstacle · climax · resolution · confrontation · crisis · dilemma · rivalry · adversary · stakes · setback
character growth
Protagonist's gradual internal transformation
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- coming-of-ageYouth becoming adulthood
hero's journey · fall from grace · rags to riches · tragedy · rebirth · disillusionment · enlightenment · metamorphosis · self-discovery · inner conflict
journey
Travel from place to place
- missionPurpose-driven task
- goalDesired end result
- destinationIntended arrival point
treasure · MacGuffin · odyssey · pursuit · search · pilgrimage · adventure · discovery · trials · companions
courtship
Seeking another's romantic favor
- loversRomantic partners
- attractionPull toward something
- heartbreakCrushing emotional pain
reunion · separation · forbidden love · rivals · confession · jealousy · devotion · betrayal · reconciliation · longing
- serialized contentepisodes, chapters, installments, parts, sequels
- television drama topicsplot twists, cliffhangers, character arcs, showrunners, screenwriting
- Trade Paperbackscollected editions, graphic novels, indie comics, complete series, deluxe editions
- plot structureplot, structure, plot structure, exposition, climax
- My Little PonyRainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Discord, Big Mac
story arcsplotlessness
Lack of narrative structure
formlessness · random events · randomness · meandering · incoherence
story, arc, stories, storybook, storybooks, storyboard, short story, love story, storyboards