How to write a NEGATIVE CHARACTER ARC: changes in story structure, like-ability, and endings

Negative character ARCs are surprisingly similar to regular character ARCs—EXCEPT when it comes to the third act and the ending! Also we'll talk about one of the most common questions: does the negative character ARC need to be likeable? (Spoiler: NOPE.)

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Thanks for watching!
❤️ Bethany

#Authortube #NovelWriting #SelfPublishing

0:00 - included in this video
0:39 - examples of books with negative character ARCs
2:03 - the negative character ARC I’m writing
3:28 - the story beat changes
13:22 - do they have to be likable? redeemable?
19:38 - endings in negative character ARCs
21:44 - The Secret Gift blurb

[ashlynohm]

This is the best vid about negative character arcs I’ve seen! Thank you!!!

[mackenzielee]

This video helped so much!!!! I’m currently trying to write a negative character arc and the save the cat trick definitely helped with having an unlikeable character, but I just couldn’t quite figure out how to make it match up with the save the cat beats. The way you broke it down made everything finally click for me. Thank you!

[lazylunarwitch]

Malice was a really good villain origin story. Except by the end, I felt her becoming a villain was completely justified with how she had been treated the entire book. Sometimes, for me, I like reading a good villain story because it's almost like the villain gets to act the way you wish you could act when someone is terrible to you or something bad happens to you. Sure, we're not going to go out and murder people if they kill our whole family but that taste for vengeance might still be there. Or maybe that's just the dark romance author in me lol

[adamjscholte]

Thank you Bethany for another awesome vid
It's 4.30am in Australia and I'm about to to go work. You have shown me another depth in story telling.
Thank you so much, I believe that negative characters are just as important as the main character to carry the story.

[saritaschaffter]

This is so helpful. As I’m outlining my debut novel. It’s a negative arc but it might be similar to To kill a kingdom( starting out negative and then ending at a positive arc.) We shall see.

[AngelaHoodWritesSavannahRose]

Just bought Save the Cat! Writes a Novel. So far, so good. Great information in this video. Thanks for sharing.

[k.c.lannon]

This is awesome, Bethany! I'm actually in the process of writing a prequel for one of my villains right now, so this was great clarification on a few things. :)

[SydneyFaithAuthor]

Really great video! I'm thinking of a prequel story for my WIP and this just made me want to write it even more! Thanks! ❤

[megankirrmann]

My pov is from the villain as the main

[sofiamidwinter]

You always deliver interesting videos and cute Penny moments. Thank you, Bethany! ^^

In my second book (Cinderella retelling) I have two characters that each have a negative arc, but with different endings.

One starts negative and turns positive while the other one starts positive and turns negative. Both have different endings though.
This video helped me realize that I did things right haha! I've been afraid that I had messed up :D

[HeatherSalterPurvesauthor]

thank you for this video. if has come in handy as I have a character that takes a very dark turn in my current work in progress.

[zoey]

I read Fairest by Marissa Meyer and I learned a lot from it and I could actually relate to the villain very well and understand her intentions and the way she thinks. This video was also super helpful and I can't wait to start my villain story as well!

[gailc.m.victor]

Timestamp 6:06 - On the tomato thing, were you referencing Veggie Tales?

Also, great video! I'm watching out for this because I think one of the MCs in my series actually has a negative character arc in the end! Which will be really interesting to explore. Thanks, and welcome back!

[stiankallhovd]

I have an idea about my "character flaw": I talk too much! 😅 I just wanted to thank you for talking about characters! Earlier this year (or last), I really needed to find some writing inspiration. I made my own YouTube playlist of videos that spark inspiration. And your video on how to write believable characters is a cherished part of that list. 🙂 It meant a lot to me just to hear you confess a number of truths about _how writing characters_ is really hard. *Thank you so much, Bethany!* 😊

[chelseawritesbooks]

This is such a fantastic and informative video. Thank you for doing this!

[heatherkirchhoffwritesya]

I'm so excited to read The Secret Gift!

[aiwatch]

Seems like in a tragedy instead of a All is Lost moment they get an All is Gained in order to confirm their lie. Thoughts?

[TiffanyGoldmanbookins]

When can I preorder The Secret Gift?! I loved Fairest even though I hated Levana. Character arcs fascinate me and I would love to check out The Secret Gift. :)

[valkordarkmoor]

Would this work for a protagonist who allows fear to lead him into villainy?

[ericarowanarts]

Ahhh! I was listening to this as I was working and I heard "spicy villain" and was like "wait I said that" and saw my comment on screen! I'm so tickled!

Loved this. <3 You really nailed it with "mirror image" explanation. I see stories too often that try to make the villain sympathetic, almost like using the backstory as an excuse instead of an explanation for their behavior and actions later on down the road. I can't wait to see how Jezebel's story shakes out!