From Edie: Discover what Halloween reveals about character development. Learn how to unmask your characters and craft powerful, authentic arcs that transform readers.
The Masks We Wear: What Halloween Teaches Writers About Character Arcs
by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe
Every October, we put on masks and pretend to be something we’re not. But writers know this isn’t just a Halloween tradition — it’s human nature. Every character we create begins their journey behind a mask.
The Masks Our Characters Wear
At the start of a story, our heroes are not yet heroes. They may have all the raw materials — courage, compassion, conviction — but they haven’t yet embodied their true nature. They might have heroic potential, but they’re still playing a role — pretending, avoiding, or hiding. Here are the most common “masks” in story:
