Phrase guide

character arc

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The transformation of William Shakespeare's Prince Hamlet from a young scholarly prince full of promise into a melancholic brooder after his father's death is an example of a character arc.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Compound of character + arc.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 成長 /成长 (chéngzhǎng) — Translations
  • Spanish: arco de personaje — Translations