In Story
Writers create characters.
And give each character a name — and write that name throughout the story.
We designate a character (or a few) in a novel through whose point of view the story is perceived and related. Those characters are called the POV (point of view) characters.
And every POV character in a story needs to have what we call a character arc.
A character arc is all of the events that challenge the lies and beliefs the character has about life and about themselves.
And throughout the story, the character makes mistakes, but learns and grows.
A compelling character that faces escalating obstacles draws in readers. Readers who care and root for the beleaguered character, and hope the character overcomes all their troubles.
And if the story turns out like most readers want it to, the character succeeds, and in the process, changes for the better.
Oh — and of course, the character lives happily ever after.
Their name forever etched on the pages penned by the author.
In Life
My favorite verse is Psalm 139:16b — “All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”
God created me. And like every other human being, I’m a unique character.
I’m the POV character in my life story. And I have a character arc.
I sometimes make mistakes, but I’m grateful I can learn and grow.
While I’m not certain anyone would consider me compelling, the obstacles and events of my life have challenged what I believe about the world and others and myself. And I ask for God’s help to discern what I’m supposed to learn.
There are people who care for me. They root for me and want me to succeed.
I don’t know what obstacles I’ll face in the final chapters of my story. Or what I’ll learn from them. I pray I’ll continue to change for the better.
And I don’t know what success I’ll have in the writing world — how many books or blogs or other works will have my name written on them.
But by God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice, I am certain I’ll live happily in the ever after.
Because my name is forever etched in the most important place of all:
The Lamb’s Book of Life.
How have life lessons helped you change for the better?
The Character Arc of Life – How have life lessons helped you change for the better? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
I loved how you compared the character arc in a book to the character arc of your life. I think your life is a great read and will have a happy ending:)
I think my life lessons are constantly changing me. Daily. This morning I was so excited to get to my Bible at 5:00 a.m. (after being sick for a week and starting to feel a little better), because I felt like God has a lot more to show me as I ponder life. And… thinking that I might live after all to see the lessons… Ha Ha!
Thanks for your thoughts, Jane. I’m so sorry you have been sick – I’ll pray that you continue to feel better. I always welcome getting quiet and spending time with God.
Great blog, Joni! I’m thankful the true Author has a story with a happy ending for each of us who have trusted in His Son. And I’m grateful He walks through each chapter of my story with me. May God continue to bless you in your writing, my friend.
Thank you for reading and sharing, Kim. I appreciate your prayers and support. Continued prayers for your writing, too.
I like this, Joni. Thanks.
Thanks for reading, Phyllis. I’m thankful my post is helpful. I appreciate your blogs as well!
Thank you for this post, Joni. I like relating story arc to our lives. Always rooting for you and praying for you.
Thanks for your friendship, prayers, and support, Tim. I’m grateful my post is helpful.