Word
ARC
Phoneticsarc
US/ˈɑɹk/
UK/ˈɑːk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the way a story or a person develops over time. You use this to describe how a character changes from the beginning to the end of a movie or book.
n. the chronological development or progression of a narrative or character trajectory. Often used in literary and cinematic criticism to describe the transformation of a protagonist.
Examples
“The main character has a very emotional story arc.”
“Critics felt the villain's redemption arc was too rushed to be believable in the final season.”
“The screenplay succeeds because it balances a complex political plot with a deeply personal character arc that resonates with the audience's own experiences of loss.”
Examples
simple
“The main character has a very emotional story arc.”
contextual
“Critics felt the villain's redemption arc was too rushed to be believable in the final season.”
complex
“The screenplay succeeds because it balances a complex political plot with a deeply personal character arc that resonates with the audience's own experiences of loss.”
Usage
Commonly paired with 'character' or 'story' to describe narrative structure.
Real-World Examples
“Hunga belongs to the Tonga-Kermadec arc, which hosts at least 74 underwater volcanoes.” Etymology
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/arc