| Transformational Arcs | Logical Levels |
| This framework relates Character development to the structure of a story. As you read what is written below, picture a series of concentric spirals and as a hierarchy. Each level relates to and connects with every other level, with a constant interweaving of info and feedback between them. To effect lasting change on any level In real life, something MUST happen on the level immediately above. Omit a level e.g. by trying to change someone's behaviour, without addressing a lack of basic skill or capability, then, although they want to change, that lack might prevent the change! For our Characters, let's start at the end and end at the top! |
| What attitude, character or 'spirit' do you want your Characters to develop, evolve or manifest at journey's end i.e. what kind of person do you want your protagonist to be by the last page? | Spirit |
| For them to have achieved this, how do their actions, reactions and transactions differ as the story unfolds, in response to the issues or relationships s/he meets along the way? And in what ways does the audience hear, see and feel these changes taking place? | Relationship |
| As the story progresses, how do the Characters perceive themselves
differently? If asked, 'Who do you think you are'? how would they
answer? Do they - and the audience - have a different sense of their
identity? In what ways do their actions show the answers to these questions? Are they less arrogant or more self-assured? Do they have more self -esteem or greater insight? Less restraint along with greater responsibility? More compassion less combative? | Identity |
| What are their beliefs about the world? About themselves? About other
people? About ambition, emotional authenticity, beauty, gender, people
who are different? What do they now believe about their past or hope for
their future? | Beliefs |
| How have their values changed? Do they value other people more, or
material goods less? Does principle now matter more than profit, or do
they value Mammon more than God? | Values |
| What skills did they develop as they dealt with the challenges that you set up for them? Are they more capable of standing on their own two feet (assuming they have two!)? Are they better able to stand up to the bully in the boardroom or the playground? Can they read when once they were illiterate? Cry when once they were impervious even to onions? Can they cope with a class room of unruly 7 year olds, or quell a seething mob with nothing more than a sharp wit and a blunt penknife? | Capabilities |
| And, to develop those skills and capabilities, what actions or non-actions, what behaviours did the Characters use or not use? In what way did s/he act or react to challenges and people? What strengths or weaknesses did s/he overcome in the face of opportunities and threats? | Behaviour |
| Environment is basically time and place. In what environment did Characters start out, what path led them to this point? Did they get the hoped-for plaudits; he necessary punishment; A fitting end of the story? | Environment |
| Roll final credits! |