What does "story arc" refer to?

The term "story arc" refers to the trajectory of character development and plot progression throughout a narrative. It captures how the story unfolds from the beginning to the end, illustrating how characters change, grow, or face challenges. This concept is fundamental in storytelling, as it helps in building tension, emotions, and resolutions that keep an audience engaged.

In a well-structured story arc, viewers experience a series of events that develop the plot and deepen their understanding of the characters involved. The arc typically includes elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, which collectively form a coherent narrative journey. The effectiveness of a story often hinges on how convincingly the arc is constructed and how well it resonates with the audience, making it a vital aspect of scriptwriting and film production.