#short Stories

[whereserpentswalk]

Fae do not have a concept of good and evil. But they do have a concept of fair and unfair. They are creatures of politeness and impolitness. Even when they're doing things that would be horrifying to humans, they do these things with a specific set of rules around them.

Most of their weaknesses are only weaknesses because they see them as making things fair. Fae are physically capable of lying, but they consider it cheating to lie to someone who isn't familiar with the fae. Likewise, fae can create unbreakable curses or unsolvable puzzles, but it's considered improper to do so. Even their material weakness works this way, if a fae is cut by an iron sword they'll but hurt by it because it was the polite thing to do.

They'll also always match the power level of any human who wanders into the fae realms, so the human in question never meets a challenge they can't overcome. When a knight of the Holy Roman Empire and his men tried to conquer part of the fae realms in 1126 the fae fought like medieval soldiers, using tactics and strategies that would be clever and strange but understandable to him and his men, the numbers of warriors never being too much for him to defeat, even when he could. And when the D.T.L paranormal containment organization sent in modern soldiers with firearms and gas masks to assassinate the fae Queen of Winter Dawn in 2004, the fae responded accordingly, with ranged weapons, and hit and run tactics, that a modern commander could play off of. And, in 1873, when three children got lost in the fae realms, deeper then any human who had been lost there before or after, the fae filled their path of peril with puzzles and traps that the children could solve. One of the children ended up having her eyes turned into spiders, and all of them were traumatized, but it's the fairness the counts to the fae. When you're billions of years old you just care about different things.

And of course. There are some fae that break the rules, fae who will truly do everything in their power to affect the world. These fae are useally exiled from the fae realms, to far off and desolate planes, where they wander and seek power. They are truly terrifying creatures, though in the places they are sent they can rarely use their power. Few who encounter them who aren't their loyal servents escape with both their lives and their humanity.

And of course, fae politeness isn't universal. It applies to humans, and to other fae, and to some other entities. But when there's a true threat to the existence of the fae they will use everything in their power to stop it, polite or impolite. When the star spawn and the great old ones attempted their invasion of the fae in 700MYA they were very promptly destroyed, and pushed back using horrors humanity can't comprehend, horrors the star spawn could barely comprehend. And when the demons on the 8th abyss attempted their invasion in 10MYA they were given almost an equal horror, spared only from pure destruction because they fae found such creatures to be useful.

[pomeraniandancer]

At the very least, this is a good prompt for a horror short story.

Hey you all know about that fungus that possesses ants to make them climb on the tip of grass blades in hopes of getting eaten by a cow, so that the fungus can continue its life cycle in the cow's guts? Because I think that's the kind of thing that's wrong with cave divers.

We don't know what's down there. We don't know what's gotten into their heads that makes them so determined to physically, personally go down there to find out. But I wouldn't entirely dismiss the possibility that whatever has gotten into them is very invested in getting eaten by whatever is down there.

[night-market-if]

Post Chapter Seven - Milo

We are back to our post chapter shorts, starting off with our resident rogue, Milo. Join us on a little short that gives insight to what Milo was dealing with while the MC was in the Outlands.

🪷✨🪷✨ If you want to support me 🪷 ✨🪷✨ 

🌿Book 2 WIP🌿 Book 1 Free Demo 🌿Book 1 Steam🌿Book 1 Itch.io🌿🌿Patreon 🌿Discord🌿FAQS🌿

[haveyoureadthisbook-poll]

[fracturedporcelaindoll]

Relatable ~

[metamorphesque]

"Good morning, Jack. How was your night?", Vardges Petrosyan (translated by metamorphesque)

[sanguinesky-if]

Sanguine Sky: Winter Special Collection

Hello! I'm happy to announce that Sanguine Sky: Winter Special Collection of the short stories is out! It contains 18k words [excl. code].

Link: [Winter Special Collection]

Belated Happy New Year, and I hope you'll enjoy reading! ♥

Author's Note.

Today is my birthday, and I noticed that the blog surpassed the 3k followers mark.

I'm sincerely grateful for your interest and hope that this winter release will be worthy of being considered a token of gratitude for all the support I receive.

Thank you for your support and for reading to the end!

[theunboundwriter]

AHH!! I'm so excited to share with you that I've published a short story collection called The Lament of the Haunted and the Divine!

In The Lament of the Haunted and the Divine, Merle Summers weaves a collection of short fiction that drifts between the spectral and the sacred. From restless spirits yearning for closure to forsaken deities weighed down by sorrow, each tale explores the fragile line between the mortal and the otherworldly. Through whispered regrets, unfulfilled desires, and eerie encounters, these stories unravel the quiet tragedies of those caught between worlds: beings who haunt and are haunted, who seek and are sought, who long for something just beyond their grasp.

It is available to read on Amazon (paperback and hardcover) and it is also available as an ebook on Kindle or Kindle Unlimited!!

[ghettogirly]

how do you think armando would react if he is in love with the reader, but she shows no sign of feeling the same way, (he's so devoted when it comes to the reader) And he'd like to know if she feels the same as him, I wish it would end in a passionate way (you know what I mean) 🔥

𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍!

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎 𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 .

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-> synopsis: Armando was obsessed with everything about you. Yet, you never showed him the same energy back. Until one night.

-> theme: one sided love, smut.

-> format: drabble + story?

-> warning: hardcore smut, slight mention of dacryphillia, armando is a little rough and cocky asf, mature language, mention of guns, mention of alcohol, he does not understand the meaning of personal space, i think if he wants something he’ll go after it!

-> authors note: 2 updates back to backkk! thanks for requesting! Hope you enjoy it! 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃!

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[🕷️] 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:

᯾ Ever since he first noticed you when meeting the team, it was love at first sight for him.

᯾ He would definitely show how much he’s obsessed with you in implicit ways, not fully going for you as that’s not his personality.

᯾ Would definitely prefer to do things that make you notice him, however, he could chase you if he wanted to.

᯾ He would definitely stare at you in the locker room or on the plane, on the way to whatever location you guys are needed.

᯾ His eyes would start at your legs before slowly glancing up to your lips.

᯾ You already know he’s a playboy just like his dad.

᯾ However, regardless of his obvious interest in you, the feelings wouldn’t be reciprocated.

᯾ Nevertheless, he wouldn’t tease you too much on missions. Not loving you enough to the point where he wants his life to be compromised.

᯾ He always has his eye out for you. Need more ammo? he’s got you.

᯾ Need a cover? He’s got you on that too.

᯾ You couldn’t even hate him, skilled in his fighting he was an excellent addition to the team. The way he effortlessly handled any weapon that was given to him, effectively killing anyone in his path. Giving assistance to anyone within the team, you really couldn’t hate him.

᯾ He knew he was good at what he does too.

᯾ And sooner then later, you’d realise he’s good in bed too.

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[🕷️] 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄:

᯾ You hardly talked to him, always avoiding his path.

᯾ Celebratory drinks? On the other side of the table.

᯾ Group talks? You’re never next to him.

𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐎, until you guys saw each other at a club. Neon lights were flashing as people danced and drank excessively. There was you, with two friends, dancing within the crowd. You rolled your hips with the flow of the music, this being an escape from your fast-paced life of being a law enforcement agent.

That was until you saw him, surrounded by men looking like him. Armando’s tan skin and beard being the main thing that stood out. He wore a simple black shirt with tight, slim black jeans. There was a fresh slit in his left eyebrow while his gold cuban chain hung off his neck, slightly longer than shoulder length.

He looked back up, and smirked. Shaking it off, you went back further into the crowd and continued to dance with your friends.

“We’re going to switch it up now, introducing some dancehall! Ladies get ready to whine up yuhself! Men, get ready to catch that whine!!” The DJ shouted over the music before switching up the song.

𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 & 𝐊𝐎𝐓𝐂𝐇 - 𝐉.𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢 & 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊.

Cheers and woos erupted in the building, more people coming to the dance floor as ladies bent their legs and arched their backs, ready to whine their life away.

Your friends started whining and dancing, screaming the lyrics as their body began to move with the music as if they were in a trance.

You decided to do the same, letting loose, you began to put your hands on your knees. Whining along to the music by anyone who pressed up behind you. That was until you felt those hands.

Looking up , you noticed Armando holding your hips, a suggestive look on his face as he controlled every circle and buck of your whine. You hated to say it but he was really skilled.

He didn’t even say anything, just focused on you and the music. Slowly pushing your hair on the left side of your face, his hand creeped up to your neck while the other one was still rested on your hip. His touch igniting a flame of zeal within you, the air between the two becoming hot and heavy.

This was forbidden, two co workers were not supposed to have any sexual relations with each other. Yet, you both did not care. Too overcome with lust and desire.

“Volver a casa conmigo..” Armando whispered in your ear, causing a tingle to happen down there.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌. Symphonies of groans and moans escaping the two lovers’ lips as they engaged in a heated kiss, fighting each other with their tongue, burning passion radiating off them. The white, satin sheets barely covered the male as he was focused on thrusting into the woman below. His cock pistoned in and out of the woman’s leaking pussy as her legs were up in the air, rocking backwards and forwards as she jolted up and down due to the roughness of her lover’s actions. Her wetness causing a thin coating on his dick.

“Te sientes tan bien amor..” Armando whispered, gently biting on the woman’s earlobe as she moaned in his ear, hypnotised by the feeling of his thick clock filling her up.

The male noticed and withdrew from her earlobe, still continuing the same pace as he held onto her hips but instead he could see the pleasure in her face. Tears of pleasure slowly slid down your face, to the point where you tried to push the male back, to no avail. “You got to take it mamí.”

“It feels too good.. i can’t.”

“Oh yes you can.” Armando grunted. Randomly flipping you over, your face was roughly met with the pillow. The man then started pounding with even more passion as you gasped and whined underneath him. “Just like that Armando..”

Your little comments turned him on more, feeling the reach of his peak coming. Your quiet nature before this now contradicting the lewd activity commencing now. And he loved it. He knew you would eventually come around. “Ah.. ¿Así que tu bonita boca puede hablar?”

Too dazed by the pleasure to understand the sarcasm dripping off his voice, you just nodded. Your hand slowly crawling down to your clit as you rubbed it in desperation. The overstimulation forcing your orgasm to come crashing down before you could even warn him. “Oh my god!”

This caused Armando to absolutely lose it. Your own impulsive decision to coming back to bite you caused him to begin chasing after his own orgasm. Still thrusting while you tried coming down from your own, before pulling out and releasing his seed onto your stomach.

“estás loco.”

“Estoy loco por no amarte antes.”

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[🕷️] 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:

“Volver a casa conmigo” : Come home with me.

“Te sientes tan bien.” You feel so good.

“ ¿Así que tu bonita boca puede hablar?”: So your pretty mouth can speak?

“estás loco.” - You’re crazy.

“Estoy loco por no amarte antes.” - i’m crazy for not loving you sooner.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[🕷️] 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓:

@milliumizoomi @thedarkworldofhananerea @5tarlan7 @deadpool15 @wizewhispers @amplifiedmoan @loakswifesworld @sarcasticbitchsblog

[whereserpentswalk]

There was a faerie who was captured by humans at a young age when they were only just a little bud. They never got a chance to ever really see another faerie. Their entire life they were treated like a meusum peice, nobody really talked to them or was every affectionate with them. They traded a lot of hands over their life, but they eventually ended up in the care of a wealthy American business man. They were occasionally given things to play with, but still, nobody talked to them.

The faerie was eventually put in a glass case for people to look at when visiting their masters home. And people liked them. And people were happy with them. And everyone always said that they'd be happiest in their cage, and that this was for their saftey.

Eventually another faerie, one who was able to remain amoung his own kind his entire life, snuck into the mansion they were being kept in a glass case in. The other faerie disgusied himself as an old man, but when he was alone with his fellow fae he revealed himself to them, and he was more beautiful then anything they had ever seen before, his wings were like a dragonfly's, and his horns with the branches of cherry blossoms, and his eyes were made of pure jade, and he wore armor made of solid bismuth as hard as steel.

And he told the faerie in the glass cage; "come with me and we will fly through a thousand skies and look upon athousand worlds below. I can take you to planes and to lands you would never before know existed. We will walk through forests wider then the earth and discover all the beasts and birds within them. We will go to cities that shine like works of art and explore their streets and hear the languages of the multiverse together. We will go to parties on towers so high they reach into space, and talk with people you could only dream of. When we slip between realms the void washes over us like summer rain. We will play forever, and we will never grown tired, and we will never grow old."

And the faerie in the glass cage told him, "no. For I am safe here. The outside is something I've never known, and something that may hurt me. I may make the wrong choices, I may see things that scare me, and I could be harmed. Yet here I know what I am, and I have no choices, and I have no surprises."

And the free faerie walked away in tears, for he knew he had done all that he could do.

[marvelimaginesyesplease]

Hermes X Reader

You sniffled, nose crinkling as you stared up at the large building. Bushy ferns and large, stone pillars speckled with gold stood before you. Any other day, you might have found it beautiful, stunning even, but today it left your chest tight, a pit sinking into the very depths of your stomach.

“Nervous?”

You turned, startled. You hadn’t even heard anyone come up beside you. Some hero you’d been.

“Uh-” You paused as you took in the man standing to your right. He was handsome, with sharp almost elfish features and a mop of dark hair. His blue eyes seemed to shift in the morning sun, almost as if he were planning something mischievous.

He smiled, wolfish canines exposed as he tilted his head towards you. “Hermes,” He offered his hand, the other coming up to rest casually on his hip.

Of course, you thought to yourself as your eyes flicked over his robed figure. He seemed so casual despite the way the off white cloth draped across his shoulders. It stopped at the tops of his bronzed thighs, wrapped perfectly around his lean figure, and your eyes widened ever so slightly at the brown leather sandals that adorned his feet. Feathered wings sprouted from his heels, and they shifted and flexed slightly, moving as if they had minds of their own.

“Nice feet,” You offered lightly, almost as if you were mesmerized.

A warm chuckle escaped him. You were cute.

“Thanks!” He chirped, reaching down to take your hand in his own. He shook it lightly, and you flushed as you realized you’d completely ignored a God’s greeting. “Don’t mind the formal attire, it’s not very often people are indicted into the Hero’s Hall of Fame anymore. Casual dress felt too…blah, for such an occasion.” He winked as he spoke, and you couldn’t help the grin that threatened to escape you.

“Hero’s hall of fame…” The words escaped you slowly as you turned your gaze from him, staring up at the building once again. Hero. Had you been a hero? You must have been. But you’d been in battle, sword drawn-

So you’d died.

Oh.

Hermes must have seen the way your expression shifted, because suddenly his warm fingers were gently pressing against your arm.

“I’m the one who fetched you,” He offered quietly. His voice was oddly comforting. You supposed that made sense, since he delivered souls. “You were quite the warrior. Rather ferocious. Ares would have been proud.”

The compliment might have meant something to you if you hadn’t been going over the life you’d left behind, the people you had been trying to save.

“They won because of your sacrifice,” Hermes spoke again, and your gaze shifted from the columns before you to his own swirling, blue irises. They were mesmerizing and entirely in-human. “I was there. I waited for you.”

You felt the way your brows drew together, the thin line of your lips as you pursed them, how your fingers flexed at your sides. He was trying to be nice, but that was easy for someone who couldn’t die. He never had to face his own death.

“Well,” You started. You sounded dry, lack lustre. “Thanks I guess.”

Hermes studied you for a moment before he began to laugh. It sounded like wind chimes-soft and musical. It was beautiful. Your expression softened.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever come across a mortal who was so unimpressed,” He managed through his laughter, casting his gaze back to you. Were all of the gods this laidback? They must not have been. You couldn’t imagine Ares being this kind. Or maybe he would be, since you’d died a warrior.

“It’s refreshing,” He finished, before offering his arm to you. “Are you ready to meet the council? Hear about your great victory and where you’ll be enjoying the rest of your immortal existence?”

You stared down at his muscular arm, shoulders warm as the sun glared down at the two of you. Your immortal existence…so very different than the life you’d lead down below. Or was it above? Where even were you? Olympus? The underworld? You weren’t entirely sure.

“I…suppose so,” You spoke slowly, gingerly looping your arm through his own. You’d never touched a god before, and you marveled at the way his skin seemed to crackle with electricity against your own, almost as if there were a live wire held beneath the surface, like his body was barely containing the energy force that was Hermes. It felt electric, exciting.

You looked up at him, memorizing the way his eyes crinkled and the sharp curves of his cupid’s bow. You understood why mortals fell for god’s: they were beautiful. He reminded you of the man you’d fallen for on earth. He’d been calculated, brave, giving…and the knowing look behind his eyes, the warmth he seemed to emanate was incredibly reminiscent of Hermes’ energy right in this moment. You could only hope he’d lived, that maybe one day you’d see him again.

“I’m ready,” You finally spoke. “Lead the way.”

Hermes nodded, before he began to ascend the steps to his family’s throne room, ensuring you were tucked securely against his side. He could barely admit it to himself, but his heart was thrumming against his ribs, body itching to explode due to your proximity. You looked nothing like you had when you’d been on the mortal plane last-and he was thankful for it.

Do not fall in love with humans, his sister had warned him. They’re fragile beings. They die. And it will only break your heart.

I won’t! He’d laughed.

I would never, he’d tried to convince himself as he’d delivered letters between armies.

I can’t, he’d said again when you were the one who’d been waiting this time instead of the abrasive man who usually met him.

I couldn’t, he’d said again when he’d witnessed how kind you were.

I can’t be, he’d tried to convince himself when he noticed how often he found himself hiding amongst mortals, kept close to your side.

I am, he’d finally confessed, when he’d found himself tangled in your bedsheets, naked limbs intertwined with your own as you’d slept.

He’d looked a little different then, careful to keep his identity hidden. He wasn’t supposed to get involved in mortal affairs, especially ones that could impact wars, change their history, rewrite their future. He wasn’t his father; he didn’t have that sort of power. He’d had to keep it to himself, disappear to attend to his immortal duties, reappear when it wouldn’t look suspicious to you or your comrades, try not to let himself get too distracted as he’d fucked himself into you, completely lost to himself as you’d cried out in his arms.

Even now, he wanted you.

And when he’d seen you collapse in battle, silent as you died, he’d nearly wept. The wail that had escaped him-he almost lost himself. He’d slaughtered men to get to you, sent the Titan’s creations to his uncle’s domain without thinking about the implications, the trouble he’d cause. He was meant to deliver souls, not destroy them. But he’d loved you. Foolishly, recklessly, adored you.

A hero, Zeus had bellowed. Hermes remained stoic, expressionless as your soul lay in his arms. Bring her to Olympus for her trial. She will be celebrated before she is sent to Elysium.

Elysium.

Where Hermes could not go.

Where Hermes could not see you freely.

Where Hermes could not touch you.

Where Hermes could not openly love you.

A sharp pain rippled across his rib cage as you began to ascend the steps. Images of you beneath him, wide eyes meeting his, lips parted as he braced himself above you, praising you as you took him danced across his mind. The way you’d arched your back, head tossed back as you’d cried out his name, nails raking across his skin.

“I love you,” He’d breathed into your mouth, pupils blown wide as he watched you.

You’d cried out, voice soft as you met his gaze. “I love you.”

Hermes wanted you now. He wanted you in every way for as long as he could have you. He wanted to be selfish too, to steal you, to hide your soul from prying eyes and keep you to himself.

But he continued to ascend the steps, arm linked through your own.

He’d find a way, he swore to himself, watching you from the corner of his eye. He had to.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Creating Compelling Character Arcs: A Guide for Fiction Writers

As writers, one of our most important jobs is to craft characters that feel fully realized and three-dimensional. Great characters aren't just names on a page — they're complex beings with arcs that take them on profound journeys of change and growth. A compelling character arc can make the difference between a forgettable story and one that sticks with readers long after they've turned the final page.

Today, I'm going to walk you through the art of crafting character arcs that are as rich and multi-layered as the people you encounter in real life. Whether you're a first-time novelist or a seasoned storyteller, this guide will give you the tools to create character journeys that are equal parts meaningful and unforgettable.

What Is a Character Arc?

Before we go any further, let's make sure we're all on the same page about what a character arc actually is. In the most basic sense, a character arc refers to the internal journey a character undergoes over the course of a story. It's the path they travel, the obstacles they face, and the ways in which their beliefs, mindsets, and core selves evolve through the events of the narrative.

A character arc isn't just about what happens to a character on the outside. Sure, external conflict and plot developments play a major role — but the real meat of a character arc lies in how those external forces shape the character's internal landscape. Do their ideals get shattered? Is their worldview permanently altered? Do they have to confront harsh truths about themselves in order to grow?

The most resonant character arcs dig deep into these universal human experiences of struggle, self-discovery, and change. They mirror the journeys we all go through in our own lives, making characters feel powerfully relatable even in the most imaginative settings.

The Anatomy of an Effective Character Arc

Now that we understand what character arcs are, how do we actually construct one that feels authentic and impactful? Let's break down the key components:

The Inciting Incident

Every great character arc begins with a spark — something that disrupts the status quo of the character's life and sets them on an unexpected path. This inciting incident can take countless forms, be it the death of a loved one, a sudden loss of power or status, an epic betrayal, or a long-held dream finally becoming attainable.

Whatever shape it takes, the inciting incident needs to really shake the character's foundations and push them in a direction they wouldn't have gone otherwise. It opens up new struggles, questions, and internal conflicts that they'll have to grapple with over the course of the story.

Lies They Believe

Tied closely to the inciting incident are the core lies or limiting beliefs that have been holding your character back. Perhaps they've internalized society's body image expectations and believe they're unlovable. Maybe they grew up in poverty and are convinced that they'll never be able to escape that cyclical struggle.

Whatever these lies are, they'll inform how your character reacts and responds to the inciting incident. Their ingrained perceptions about themselves and the world will directly color their choices and emotional journeys — and the more visceral and specific these lies feel, the more compelling opportunities for growth your character will have.

The Struggle

With the stage set by the inciting incident and their deeply-held lies exposed, your character will then have to navigate a profound inner struggle that stems from this setup. This is where the real meat of the character arc takes place as they encounter obstacles, crises of faith, moral dilemmas, and other pivotal moments that start to reshape their core sense of self.

Importantly, this struggle shouldn't be a straight line from Point A to Point B. Just like in real life, people tend to take a messy, non-linear path when it comes to overcoming their limiting mindsets. They'll make progress, backslide into old habits, gain new awareness, then repeat the cycle. Mirroring this meandering but ever-deepening evolution is what makes a character arc feel authentic and relatable.

Moments of Truth

As your character wrestles with their internal demons and existential questions, you'll want to include potent Moments of Truth that shake them to their core. These are the climactic instances where they're forced to finally confront the lies they believe head-on. It could be a painful conversation that shatters their perception of someone they trusted. Or perhaps they realize the fatal flaw in their own logic after hitting a point of no return.

These Moments of Truth pack a visceral punch that catalyzes profound realizations within your character. They're the litmus tests where your protagonist either rises to the occasion and starts radically changing their mindset — or they fail, downing further into delusion or avoiding the insights they need to undergo a full transformation.

The Resolution

After enduring the long, tangled journey of their character arc, your protagonist will ideally arrive at a resolution that feels deeply cathartic and well-earned. This is where all of their struggle pays off and we see them evolve into a fundamentally different version of themselves, leaving their old limiting beliefs behind.

A successfully crafted resolution in a character arc shouldn't just arrive out of nowhere — it should feel completely organic based on everything they've experienced over the course of their thematic journey. We should be able to look back and see how all of the challenges they surmounted ultimately reshaped their perspective and led them to this new awakening. And while not every character needs to find total fulfillment, for an arc to feel truly complete, there needs to be a definitive sense that their internal struggle has reached a meaningful culmination.

Tips for Crafting Resonant Character Arcs

I know that was a lot of ground to cover, so let's recap a few key pointers to keep in mind as you start mapping out your own character's trajectories:

Get Specific With Backstory

To build a robust character arc, a deep understanding of your protagonist's backstory and psychology is indispensable. What childhood wounds do they carry? What belief systems were instilled in them from a young age? The more thoroughly you flesh out their history and inner workings, the more natural their arc will feel.

Strive For Nuance

One of the biggest pitfalls to avoid with character arcs is resorting to oversimplified clichés or unrealistic "redemption" stories. People are endlessly complex — your character's evolution should reflect that intricate messiness and nuance to feel grounded. Embrace moral grays, contradictions, and partial awakenings that upend expectations.

Make the External Match the Internal

While a character arc hinges on interior experiences, it's also crucial that the external plot events actively play a role in driving this inner journey. The inciting incident, the obstacles they face, the climactic Moments of Truth — all of these exterior occurrences should serve as narrative engines that force your character to continually reckon with themselves.

Dig Into Your Own Experiences

Finally, the best way to instill true authenticity into your character arcs is to draw deeply from the personal transformations you've gone through yourself. We all carry with us the scars, growth, and shattered illusions of our real-life arcs — use that raw honesty as fertile soil to birth characters whose journeys will resonate on a soulful level.

Happy Writing!

[haveyoureadthisbook-poll]

[troubledminnesotan]

ITS HERE!!!

My 18 page autobio comic about siblings struggling to communicate but finding common ground in video games is out now!

Check it out on here and I hope you enjoy!

[diana-andraste]

The Bloody Chamber, Angela Carter, 1979 (read in English)

La cámara sangrienta, (read in Spanish, trans. Jesús Gómez Gutiérrez)

Illustrations by Alejandra Acosta