Every good writer knows that a plot is only as good as its characters. And the characters are only as strong as their arcs.  Character arcs show your readers how your character has learned, transformed, or evolved during the plot.  This transformation doesn’t necessarily have to be positive, as long as it fits in with the plot’s central theme. Think about it: when was the last time you finished a book and forgot the plot but still remembered the characters?  That’s the magic of well-crafted character development. Research shows readers form emotional and even psychological bonds with well-developed characters, which is why strong character arcs often leave a lasting impression.…