'How to write character arcs over a series?' | #AskAbbie

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Welcome back to Ask Abbie​, where I answer YOUR writing questions and help you make your story matter! Today I'm answering a tricky writing question: how do you write character arcs over the course of a series? How do you give each book new conflicts without making the series feel repetitive? In this video, we're breaking down the "WWW rule" – my secret to crafting unique internal conflict for your characters that will span the course of your series and make your story unforgettable.

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✨T I M E S T A M P S ✨

00:00 Question from Joshua
00:41 Character arcs over the course of a series
03:18 The WWW rule
04:35 Using the Enneagram for character arcs
07:03 Submit your questions for AskAbbie!
07:33 Subscribe for more writing videos :)
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✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨

MORE ASKABBIE VIDEOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

→ "HOW DO YOU WRITE IMMERSIVE DESCRIPTIONS?"

→ "WHAT'S BETTER: SUSPENSE OR SURPRISE?"

→ "HOW DO I COME UP WITH A PLOT FOR MY NOVEL?"

→ "THREE CHARACTERS, ONE INCITING INCIDENT?"

✨F O L L O W ✨

✨ A B O U T ✨
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!

[homosapien]

I've got ADHD so I lose motivation very easily, but your videos really help me make progress. I'm going to attempt Nanowrimo this year, because of your help with prep and mastering characters. I know the chances of me getting as far as I like are slim, but I have high hopes!

[z.i.smeraldo]

Abbie you're doing great job motivating new writers! You have no idea how greatful I am to find you <3

[liza]

I was literally trying to figure this out for my series- Abbie you're reading minds!

[thirdcoastfirebird]

I like all of this. I want to say one of the things I use, cause I keep forgetting about the Enneagram, is the 16 personality test. I use that to create characters core personality. I answer the question using the character's mindset not my own. It gives me a good building block to work with.

[Ruthie]

Thank you. I've OFTEN given people your youtube info, when they're on a writing journey and want to learn how, along with podcasts by Savannah Gilbo, Writing Excuses, and The Story Grid, and Save the Cat. I feel like I've earned an MFA by you and those resources. Thank you again.

[CuriouslyCute]

This was my exact question period I have now written my healthy, average, and unhealthy version of my main character. It feels kinda brilliant, and helps me keep her actions consistent within moods. To the point that they are meant to be consistent, anyway. When she's upset, she can be anywhere from (lightly) punching walls, being a lethargic zombie, bursting into yelling at someone, or desperately trying to make the "perfect" plan that will never exist.

[superfluityme]

There is a business tool called a SWOT analysis that could be used in character creation, and the creation of the environment that the character inhabits. The acronym stands for: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

[dumplinglovers]

when it comes to character journeys in a series, the Netflix series Lucifer did a great job... like each character has there own journey and they all have a impact on the MC, Lucifer's journey. It's one of my favorites. They also manage to maintain a nice flow throughout the entire 6 ss.

[tonje_gram]

When I read this title I thought it was my question being answered. It seems I'm not alone in wondering and I'm eager to watch this.

[LukeKendall-author]

This is good advice. For my own series, the MC had such a bizarre and isolated upbringing that she has SO much to learn that the lessons should easily stretch over the entire series. Like learning that killing is usually wrong.
You could also make a list of the big lessons the character needs to learn, and see which of those best fits the current book in your series.
There are also interesting dynamics you can get from the interplay between what the protagonist learns vs what the antagonist learns, from their interactions. These things can weave together.

[allisonortiz]

I was FREAKING OUT about what my characters arc was going to be like in my outline. Then I found this video. Thanks Abbie ❤️

[SK-qhcq]

Thank you for this! I'm writing a sci fi inspired by the Hunger Games with my best friend....
AND YOUR VIDEOS ARE MAGICALLLL

[MeganNicole-hdej]

#AskAbbie
I recently found your channel a few months ago and you have completely changed how I write! Thank you! My question is: I’m writing a novel and I go back and forth between points of view. Both characters have different climaxes in the story. How do you write two different climaxes in the same story without it feelings like a drag before the final climax arrives?

[matthewjacobs]

YouTube recommended actually did it it's job for once. Instant subscription after just 2 videos. Can't wait to dive into the video history. Always loved dabbling in writing but the slog of everyday life loves to syphon out creativity. Seeing this laid plainly out on the table like this takes a whole lot of weight out of the finer details I generally stress over. Much appreciate. Keep on keeping on

[alayamcgill]

Hey Abbie!! Needed to let you know right away that I checked out 100 Days Of Sunlight on Amazon and started reading the first couple chapters - and even though it was 1:30 in the morning and I needed to get up earlier... I COULD NOT STOP READING!!!!
I MEAN... HOLY FLIPPING COW.
So good.
So. So good.
I'm buying your book TOMORROW if it's the last thing I do 😅😅

(I'm 17 and recovering from a double ear infection so not being able to hear very well has been interesting for the past few days haha, so this made me feel even closer to Tessa and Weston. Your writing is SO REAL. Dang can't wait for the whole book!!!! I'll give you an update when I'm finished!! 😁)

[dubbytheapple]

Your videos somehow always make me motivated to write, and your explanations of different aspects of writing are always useful and informative. Thank you for all the work you put into this

[kkscorner]

First also I absolutely looove ur channel I've been here from the beginning. How do I write a friends to lovers. But like the between before they know they love eachother. I'm in that phase and it is really hard to write. Also how do I introduce a character without it being weird. That's all love u abbie. Ur the best and I love ur book it was so good. I hope one day I can meet u, ur my author role model.

[ProfessorBurlingame]

Great food for thought!

I'm a bit of a personality types junkie - everything from MBTI to enneagram to which Hogwarts house do you belong to. But, I must admit that when I'm reading a book or watching a movie/play/show I tend to think of the characters in terms of sun signs. Not every character every time, but they'll sometimes reveal this to me and I feel like I understand their strengths, weaknesses, wants and needs so much better.

I don't know that this is necessarily how the author thinks about their characters, of course. For instance, I don't know that Austen would have agreed with me that Miss Bennet is a Libra, Mr. Darcy is a Leo and that they have a classic Libra-Leo romance arc ... but, maybe! ;)

At any rate, I agree with Abbie that using personality typology is incredibly useful for gaining insight into fictional characters. I also find it to be a lot of fun.

[shreeyamalgunde]

U r the best Abbie. U have no idea how helpful u have been!

[meghanharden]

Your videos are very informative. I appreciate them.