Aside from the typical positive change arc we’re all familiar with, the flat arc is one of the most popular types of narratives. While the name suggests little change, it is still an arc defined by transformation. So how do you structure this type of story, and how can you use themes to write a flat character arc?
To answer those questions, I’ll explore how to write a flat character arc using Forrest Gump as a case study.
Five Ways To Use Theme To Write A Flat Character Arc:
What Is a Flat Character Arc?
While a positive change arc is defined by its protagonist’s transformation from lie to truth, a flat character arc typically features a protagonist who remains relatively unchanged throughout the story. They may face challenges that lead to thematic choices, but their core beliefs, values, and personalities stay consistent throughout. The flat arc often appears in stories where the focus is on the external plot and the events that shape the narrative, rather than on the main character’s personal growth.
Forrest Gump exemplifies a flat character arc, in which the protagonist remains unchanged from beginning to end. Although his simple-minded approach to life is unaffected by the changing world around him, Forrest manages to transform both the world and the lives of those drawn into his story.
Let’s use this story to explore the key components involved in creating a strong, flat character arc.
Unchanging Protagonist
As previously stated, a flat character arc centers around an unchanging protagonist. However, that doesn’t mean your story lacks change. Instead, it signifies that change doesn’t occur internally within the character. Rather, it manifests externally through the challenges and events that drive them toward their goals. Essentially, this positions them as the catalyst for change in your story. Since truth remains constant, it makes sense to depict your protagonist as the embodiment of your story’s thematic truth.
The thematic question in Forrest Gump is whether we are products of random happenstance or predestination. This is perfectly illustrated by the random fluttering of the feather in the breeze that appears destined to land at Forrest’s feet.
From the beginning, Forrest’s story unfolds from two perspectives. Visually, we are introduced to the fantastical and often unbelievable tale of a man navigating through one of the greatest eras of change in our nation’s history. Narratively, we experience the story through the lens of a simple-minded man who remains unaware of the significance of the people, places, and things surrounding him.
This style of storytelling is unique because, despite all the fantastical elements that characterize Forrest’s life, we consistently explore how the core themes of random happenstance and perceived predestination function in the life of a steadfast protagonist.
Changing World
Consider your setting. If your protagonist is unchanging, it makes sense to place them in a world that is always changing. As the embodiment of truth, they should be the one constant, continually pointing things back to your story’s theme.
Forrest’s story unfolds during the tumultuous period from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, interweaving significant historical figures, places, and events into the narrative. From the civil rights era to the Vietnam War, Forrest remains a steadfast constant amidst a world of change.
Forrest’s participation in these significant events doesn’t change him; he remains the same simple-minded man he has always been. Thematically, his unchanging character contrasts with the ever-evolving landscape during a time marked by monumental shifts that impacted a generation.
Changing Characters
Whether consciously or by happenstance, your flat arc protagonist should directly influence the lives of every person in the story. They may be unchanging, but they should naturally be inspiring change in the lives of those around them.
In Forrest Gump, every character undergoes significant change. First, there’s Lieutenant Dan, a man who is angry at Forrest for saving his life and robbing him of his destiny to die with honor in the field. Even though he feels stripped of his identity, Forrest reminds him that he is still Lieutenant Dan.
Forrest ultimately inspires Lieutenant Dan, helping him finally express gratitude for saving his life—a life defined not by his disability but by a newfound desire to embrace a different destiny and a fresh start.
The other character who undergoes change is Jenny. Despite Forrest’s constant love for her throughout her life, she rejects him, turning to addiction and abusive relationships until she finds herself contemplating suicide. With nowhere else to turn, she reaches out to Forrest, who gladly accepts her without question or judgment. His unconditional love draws her into his arms, but ultimately, fear drives her to run away again.
Jenny finally comes to terms with her own demons and reveals that Forrest is the father of her son. Forrest’s love for her remains constant despite everything she put him through, and he accepts her marriage proposal.
Forrest’s steadfast character and his unwavering love and devotion are the catalysts that inspire change in every life he touches. Thematically, he acts as a change agent simply by existing in the world, influencing change effortlessly.
Thematic Questions
While your steadfast protagonist may not be burdened by a lie or misbelief, you can still illustrate them grappling with profound thematic questions that explore the various aspects and arguments surrounding your narrative’s thematic truth.
Throughout the narrative, Forrest grapples with his understanding of destiny. In the first of two significant scenes that explore the story’s thematic questions, Forrest asks his mother what his destiny is while she lies on her deathbed. It’s a question she cannot answer. Ultimately, it’s one that Forrest must discover for himself.
The second scene takes place near the end of the story as Forrest visits Jenny’s grave. In his grief, he wrestles with everything he’s been told about destiny by his mother and Lieutenant Dan. In a moment of reflection, he ponders the idea that life may be shaped by both random happenstance and predestination.
While Forrest never fully settles on a defining answer to his questions, his inquiry is significant because it evokes the same unanswered questions we all have about life. That’s the point of the movie: to prompt you to ask questions and seek answers of your own.
Cycle Of Change
Consider giving your story a strong resolution that mirrors its beginning. This essentially depicts the cycle of a changing world, where your protagonist remains a perpetual agent of change, continually influencing everything and everyone around them.
Forrest Gump ends precisely as it began, reinforcing the theme as the feather takes flight once more. By bookending the story with this imagery, it not only solidifies the unchanging nature of its protagonist but also captures the elusive aspect of the thematic questions now posed to the audience.
The feather symbolizes an end transitioning into a new beginning. It’s interesting to note that the feather ultimately lands on you, the viewer, just as it landed next to Forrest at the beginning. This serves as a powerful image that encourages you to take stock of your own life, considering it as the product of random happenstance and predestination. In essence, Forrest is also inspiring change in you through his story, making this narrative resonate with you on a whole new level.
Summing It Up
Understanding how to write a flat character arc entails grasping the significance of an unchanging character and their ability to influence transformation within your narrative. By structuring your story around a character that inspires others to change, you can weave rich and profound themes into your narrative, prompting questions that will motivate change in your audience.
I hope this article has given you some insight into how to write a flat character arc. What are some other powerful stories that feature this type of arc? How do they inspire you? I’d love to hear about them. Stay motivated, and above all, keep writing!
Until next time,
