The lie your character believes—and why it’s the heart of their arc
- Krysia S.
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
At the heart of every unforgettable character arc is a simple but powerful idea:
Your character believes a lie. And the story is about whether they’ll keep believing it… or grow beyond it.
The lie is the emotional starting point of your character’s journey. It’s the false belief that shapes their choices, fuels their fears, and holds them back from becoming who they’re meant to be.
Shedding that lie? That’s the change we, as readers, feel.
what is “the lie” in a character arc?
The lie is a belief your protagonist holds about themselves, other people, or the world—and it’s wrong.
Not necessarily a deliberate lie. Often, it’s something they’ve internalized based on trauma, failure, or past experience. But it’s limiting. It keeps them stuck.
The lie is directly tied to the emotional wound your character carries.
some common examples of character lies:
I’m unlovable.
If I don’t control everything, everything will fall apart.
Vulnerability is weakness.
People always leave.
I must prove my worth to be accepted.
If I fail once, I’ll always fail.
My value is tied to my success.
I have to do everything on my own.
The world is dangerous, and I can’t trust anyone.
If people knew the real me, they’d leave.
The lie acts as an invisible force that shapes the character’s thoughts, fears, and even the plot itself.
why it matters to the story
Without a lie, a character arc can feel flat. There’s no emotional shift—just external events.
But when the lie is clear?
You have tension between who the character is and who they could be
You create moments of internal conflict that feel real
You make the reader root for change
Your ending feels earned
how it ties into theme
Often, your story’s theme is the truth that counters the lie.
If the lie is “I must earn love by being perfect,” The theme might be “You are worthy of love exactly as you are.”
If the lie is “Power is the only way to stay safe,” The theme might be “Connection and trust are stronger than control.”
This makes the story feel cohesive. The internal arc supports the external one—and both reinforce what the story is about.
questions to uncover your character’s lie
Try these quick questions during character development:
What does my character believe that holds them back?
Where did that belief come from? (What moment or memory?)
How does that belief show up in their actions, relationships, or choices?
What would happen if they realized it wasn’t true?
What truth do they need to embrace in order to grow?
Bonus: Ask what your character would never say out loud. Their secret fears or beliefs often point straight to the lie.
examples in action
Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
Lie: First impressions are everything.
Truth: People are more complex than they appear.
Tony Stark (Iron Man)
Lie: I’m only valuable because of my intelligence and tech.
Truth: I’m valuable because of who I am, not what I create.
Elsa (Frozen)
Lie: My powers are dangerous and must be hidden.
Truth: My powers are a gift when used with love.
Jules (Booksmart)
Lie: Academic success is all that matters.
Truth: Life is fuller when you connect and experience joy.
use it to shape your character arc
Once you know the lie:
Show how it limits your character early on
Challenge it through relationships, failures, and plot twists
Make the character confront it at their lowest point
Let them choose a new truth—either fully, or with effort
The transformation doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes, even trying to shed the lie is enough.
The lie your character believes is more than a backstory detail. It’s the heartbeat of their emotional journey.
If you want readers to feel something…
If you want your ending to feel powerful and earned…
Start with the lie. Challenge it. Break it.
And let your character rise.
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