These character arcs are well known and a good place to start.
- Hero’s Journey – The hero starts in the ordinary world, gets a call to adventure, faces challenges and temptations, goes through a transformation, and returns home changed. Examples: Luke Skywalker, Harry Potter.
- Rags to Riches – The character rises from humble beginnings to great success or wealth through hard work and perseverance. Examples: Cinderella, Rocky Balboa.
- Tragedy – The character experiences a fall from grace due to a tragic flaw or mistake. Examples: Oedipus, Macbeth.
- Rebirth – The character emerges from a transformative experience with a new outlook or purpose in life. Examples: Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, the Grinch.
- Coming of Age – The character transitions from childhood to adulthood, gaining maturity and life lessons along the way. Examples: Huckleberry Finn, Anne of Green Gables.
- Rise and Fall – The character achieves power, success or status then loses it all due to their own hubris, corruption or mistakes. Examples: Michael Corleone in The Godfather, Walter White in Breaking Bad.
- Fall and Redemption – The character falls in some way but finds redemption through hard work, sacrifice or a change of heart. Examples: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, The Beast in Beauty and the Beast.
- Voyage and Return – The character journeys to a strange world, learns important lessons, then returns home changed. Examples: Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Alice in Wonderland.
- Education – The character gains maturity and life lessons through the guidance of a mentor or teacher. Examples: Luke Skywalker and Yoda, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid.
- Transformation – The character undergoes a radical change in personality, outlook or behavior for better or worse. Examples: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Anakin Skywalker turning into Darth Vader.
