How to Craft a Narrative Arc
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Every writer dreams of creating a masterpiece that hooks readers from the very first page. One of the keys to achieving a good story that’s also emotionally engaging is through crafting a well-executed narrative arc that keeps readers invested in the story. But what exactly is a narrative arc, and how can you create one that will resonate with readers? As a former literary agent and current freelance editor, I am here to provide a detailed guide on crafting an appealing narrative arc for your novel, from the essential ingredients to common mistakes to avoid.
What is a Narrative Arc?
Simply put, a narrative arc is the path your story takes from beginning to end, also called the plot. But a narrative arc conveys the idea of a change or transformation, rather than a simple line from Point A to Point B. It's the journey your characters go on, the obstacles they face, and how they overcome them. A narrative arc helps to create tension, suspense, and emotional resonance with your readers by building towards a story climax that satisfies them.
Ingredients of a Narrative Arc
To create a compelling narrative arc, you need to include certain essential ingredients. These include a protagonist with a clear, relatable and attainable goal (or character objective); obstacles that stand in their way; a turning point (or several) that changes the course of the story; a finale that ties everything together; and a story resolution. Think about what your protagonist wants, what's preventing them from achieving it, and how they will ultimately overcome the internal conflict and external conflict you’ve thrown into their path.
How to Execute a Narrative Arc for Maximum Emotional Impact
Once you have your ingredients, it's time to cook up your story. Make sure to include character and action beats at key moments in your novel outline to keep readers engaged. And yes, I absolutely recommend outlining your novel, especially if you are working on your plot arc. These beats can include things like a call to adventure for your protagonist (part of the Hero’s Journey), the introduction of a significant obstacle, a complication that raises the stakes, and a reveal that changes the game. Each beat should build towards your climax and evoke the emotions you want your readers to feel.
Expectations for Narrative Arcs Across Different Genres
Keep in mind that each genre of novel has its own expectations regarding the narrative arc. A romance novel, for example, may require a more straightforward and predictable arc focused on the couple's relationship and eventual union. It needs to end in a happy-ever-after, or at least a happy-for-now. An epic fantasy, on the other hand, may follow a more complex path that involves multiple characters, intertwining subplots, nonlinear narrative, and a lack of total resolution for the reader because you’re planning a book series. Make sure to do your research and understand what readers expect from your chosen genre.
Common Narrative Arc Mistakes to Avoid
Some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your narrative arc include introducing too many obstacles or plot threads all at once, without a sense of cause and effect; resolving conflicts too easily or too quickly; and failing to build towards a satisfying climax. Keep your story focused and streamlined, make sure your protagonist has a clear goal, and let your climax grow out of the challenges your characters face.
Creating a compelling narrative arc is key to crafting a novel that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. By including essential ingredients, executing well-timed character and action beats, and understanding genre-specific expectations, you can create a narrative arc that delivers maximum emotional impact. Remember to avoid common mistakes and focus on building towards a satisfying climax that readers will never forget.
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