Turning ideas into themes is the next crucial step in crafting a novel with depth and resonance. A theme is the underlying message or central idea that ties the story together. Here’s how I refine my ideas into strong themes:
1 – Identify Patterns in Ideas – I look at my “what if” questions and try to see emerging plot elements. Do they consistently point to a deeper message? For example, if many of my ideas revolve around internal struggles (spoiler alert – they usually do!), conflict might be a core theme.
2 – Consider Universal Concepts – Themes often explore broad human experiences like love, betrayal, redemption, or justice. So I think about which universal concepts align with the heart of my story.
3 – Ask Why the Story Matters – What do I want my readers to take away from the novel? If my protagonist (the main character) faces obstacles to achieve his or her dreams, perhaps ambition vs. fate is a theme.
4 – Use Characters & Plot to Reinforce Themes – A theme is most effective when it’s woven naturally into the story. The choices my characters make, the conflicts they face, and the outcomes of their journeys should all support the theme.
5 – Keep It Subtle – Readers don’t generally want to be spoon-fed a theme. Instead of stating it outright, I let it emerge through dialogue, symbolism, and character development.
As I write these scenes, usually in no particular order, the characters begin to develop. Their arcs progress throughout the novel, and I begin to flesh out their personalities, relationships, and flaws to make them compelling.
So “what is an arc?” you may be asking. A character arc is the journey a character undergoes throughout a story—their transformation, growth, or decline. It’s what makes a character compelling and gives depth to the narrative. There are a few common types:
Positive Arc – The character starts with flaws, misconceptions, or weaknesses but grows into a stronger, wiser, or better version of themselves. Think of a hero who overcomes self-doubt and rises to the occasion.
Negative Arc – The character falls deeper into their flaws or loses their way. This could be a descent into villainy, corruption, or hopelessness. Classic tragedies often follow this arc, but it is rarely found in the romance genre that I write.
Flat Arc – Instead of undergoing personal change, the character remains consistent, but their steadfastness influences those around them. These are often mentor figures or idealistic heroes who inspire others.
To craft a strong arc, I consider the starting point—where my character is emotionally, intellectually, or socially—and then determine how events shape their transformation. What trials or revelations will push them forward or backward?
Here are some classic examples of character arcs in famous stories:
Harry Potter (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling) – Positive Arc
Harry starts as an orphan unaware of his true identity, filled with self-doubt. Over the series, he grows into a confident and self-sacrificing leader, embracing his destiny as a hero.
Ebenezer Scrooge (A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens) – Positive Arc
Scrooge begins as a miserly, cold-hearted man. Through ghostly encounters, he confronts his past and present failings, transforming into a generous and kind person.
Walter White (Breaking Bad) – Negative Arc
Walter starts as a mild-mannered teacher battling cancer. As he delves into crime, his ambition and power slowly corrupt him, turning him into a ruthless drug kingpin.
Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald) – Flat Arc (Tragic)
Gatsby remains devoted to his dream of rekindling his past love with Daisy. His unwavering hope leads him to destruction, showing the dangers of clinging to an impossible ideal.
Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins) – Positive Arc
Initially, Katniss is focused only on survival. Through hardship, she becomes a symbol of rebellion, growing into a leader who fights for justice.