I had a couple emails from folks regarding how I track character arcs. Specifically about the extra notes I take chapter to chapter to track changes in character. I’ve talked about character arcs in the past here (use in self-editing) and here (what they are). I do have a standard template I work from and attach to chapters as I roll through.
Below is the one I mocked up a while ago. I just recently converted it to Flickr so you can click on the image below and print it out if you need it. It’s been formatted to fit a standard piece of printer paper (landscape) so you should have no trouble printing.
It’s pretty self explanatory as you look at it, so I won’t go into any great detail about how to use it. If you do have questions about it, don’t be afraid to leave a comment. I’m pretty good at getting back to people. I destroy trees at an alarming rate so I just print them off as I need them. This template would cover six chapters.
Give the image a click and get teleported via interweb majesty to my Flickr page. You can print a higher-resolution version there. Created by me, and as always, free to use and share.
Today is a mercifully short post, but provides you a handy tool. If you can get your beta readers to use something like this – you win the prize. Until tomorrow, keep reading, keep writing, and as always – stay sharp!
Corey Truax 
This is great!! Thanks so much for sharing this 🙂 I’ll be sure to use it. Do you ever plan to post some of your writings?
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Glad it was useful!
I won’t be offering any of my book contents until after it is published. Some publishers won’t move forward with a book that has be pre-released in other forms (why sell a book if it can accessed for free, kind of mentality) But someday it’ll all be out there!
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Ah, I understand 🙂 And thanks again!!! You are always so nice.
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This sparked a question for me: what is the recommended chapter length for a supporting character arc? If this has been covered in a previous post, feel free to disregard. I’ll find it later when i get home; it’s just that my work’s wifi blocks some links on WordPress, so I can’t deep dive at present. Thank you for sharing this resource! It will be put to good use.
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Awesome, it’s similar to the one I use, I have mine in an excel sheet that interacts with bio’s on other sheets keeping them up to date. I don’t have significant statements or impact as reader. I might just snag those. 😉 Thanks.
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Glad you found some useful additions to your pre-existing tool! I’ve used excel before as well, but I do like things to look “pretty” sometimes. Hah! I’m a goofball like that.
Thanks for leaving some thoughts and reading today!
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Thank you for sharing this!
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My pleasure. Hope it helps! Thanks for checking it out 🙂
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Pingback: Template for Tracking Character Arcs — Quintessential Editor – I Suck at Writing
You know, I just realized I don’t know. Do you outline your characters’ arcs or do you discovery write them? This is a great tracker here, but I hope people see what an effect character development outlining tool this could be.
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I didn’t outline the arcs for Wastelander, but I did a minor outline of the story. I think for the next book (which won’t be in 1st person) I will do minor outlines of the arcs. With this first book being in 1st and only having a few characters to deal with, I didn’t stress the plotting of the arcs as much. My experiment with 1st was to let a character make decisions and me just provide navigation. But when I move into 3rd I want to be more directed with the characters. I don’t know if that makes any sense.
I’ve been playing with some other templates (different types and themed ones). If I give one a green light I’ll probably share it at some point.
Thanks for swinging in today. Congrats again on your indie award nomination! I was excited to see the announcement in your blog and Facebook.
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Thanks for sharing, not sure if I will use it but it could be another tool in the box,… just in case!!!
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Like you said, having a box full of tools is always handy. Never know when the need might pop up. I’ll admit I’ve used a hammer on a car engine before…
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Hammers are dangerous!! When you have a hammer in the tool box, every problem becomes a nail. 😛
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Of course, in my head, I’m now singing “Stop, Hammer time!” LOL
Wow, my head is a dangerous and scary place to be!
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Now I’m picturing Jack Burton wearing hammer pants and driving the Pork-Chop Express…speaking of diseased minds.
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LOL, as long as he remembers to pull the chain and sound the horn….
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Thank you! I can’t wait to use this.
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I’m going to improve it and make some themed ones (fantasy, steampunk, space opera, etc) when I find the time. There are also some other templates I use (chapter synopsis/feedback forms) that I will sharpen and share. I know it’s just design stuff and not “meat” but it’s fun for me to have themed tools when I edit and help people with their work – and for my own as well.
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I was just going to use notebook and pen but this works! Thank you! ^_^
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Glad I could be of assistance! Perhaps I should compile a slasher themed one for you. Hah! I’m happy you found something useful, and as always, thanks for swinging by.
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There are so many slashers and monsters in my mind, I could probably use one. Mm…would make for an interesting post I’m sure.
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Pingback: What the Heck is a Character Arc? « Quintessential Editor
Just started following your blog and, I must say, I’m loving the content. Thanks for sharing this!
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Thank you so much for the kind words and for exploring! I will be sure to visit the Inky Tavern. Great adventures often start in taverns.
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Reblogged this on Still Another Writer's Blog.
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Very nice ^_^
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