id: pc_arc_tracker title: PC Arc Tracker type: pc_arc_tracker level: handout purpose: Track character arcs and personal storylines author: Mimir Team variables:
- name: character_name type: string description: Character name default: “[Character Name]” required: true
{{character_name}} Arc Tracker
Monitor and develop individual character stories
Player: [Name] | Character: [Name]
Character Core
Class & Level: [Current progression]
Background: [Mechanical background]
Alignment Tendency: [How they typically act]
Character Concept: [In player’s own words]
Narrative Identity
Core Trait: [Defining characteristic]
Contradiction: [Internal conflict]
Growth Edge: [Where development happens]
Blind Spot: [What they don’t see about themselves]
Personal Arc Overview
The Want
Player’s Stated Goal: [What player said they want]
Character’s Goal: [What character pursues]
Current Progress: [How close they are]
Next Step: [Immediate objective]
The Need
What Character Actually Needs: [For growth/happiness]
Why They Don’t See It: [Blocking factor]
How It Might Emerge: [Potential catalyst]
The Fear
Surface Fear: [What they admit to fearing]
Deep Fear: [What really terrifies them]
How It Manifests: [In-game behaviors]
Arc Progress Tracking
Act 1: Setup (Sessions 1-X)
- Establish normal
- Introduce personal stakes
- Plant seeds of change
- First test of character
- Key Scene: [Defining moment]
Act 2: Development (Sessions X-Y)
- Complicate the want
- Challenge core beliefs
- Deepen relationships
- Face smaller version of fear
- Key Scene: [Growth moment]
Act 3: Resolution (Sessions Y-Z)
- Want vs need choice
- Confront deep fear
- Transform or refuse change
- New equilibrium
- Key Scene: [Resolution moment]
Relationships & Connections
PC Relationships
| Other PC | Dynamic | History | Growth Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Name] | [Type] | [Shared event] | [Where it’s heading] |
| [Name] | [Type] | [Shared event] | [Where it’s heading] |
| [Name] | [Type] | [Shared event] | [Where it’s heading] |
NPC Connections
| NPC | Relationship | Purpose in Arc | Next Scene |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Name] | [Type] | [Mirror/Mentor/Foil] | [Planned interaction] |
| [Name] | [Type] | [Mirror/Mentor/Foil] | [Planned interaction] |
Unresolved Backstory
- [Element]: Waiting to introduce when [trigger]
- [Mystery]: Player doesn’t know [secret]
- [Connection]: Will matter when [event]
Mechanical Milestones
Power Progression
- Level 3: Subclass represents [character choice]
- Level 4: ASI/Feat shows [growth direction]
- Level 8: Power increase reflects [story development]
- Level 12: Major ability mirrors [arc progress]
Signature Moments
Mechanical Feature: [Ability name]
Narrative Meaning: [What it represents]
Perfect Scene: [When to spotlight]
Magic Items as Story
Desired Item Type: [What player wants]
Story Purpose: [How it serves arc]
Discovery Scene: [How they’ll find it]
Spotlight Management
Recent Spotlight
| Session | Type | Scene | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| [#] | [Combat/RP/Puzzle] | [What happened] | [Character growth] |
| [#] | [Combat/RP/Puzzle] | [What happened] | [Character growth] |
Spotlight Balance
Last Featured: Session [#]
Due for Focus: [High/Medium/Low]
Ideal Scene Type: [What would serve them]
Planned Spotlights
- Next Session: [Quick character moment]
- This Module: [Significant scene]
- This Arc: [Major development]
Player Engagement Patterns
What Excites Them
- [Type of scene]
- [Type of challenge]
- [Type of NPC]
- [Type of choice]
What Frustrates Them
- [Situation to avoid]
- [Type of obstacle]
- [Social dynamic]
Engagement Level
Current: □ Highly Engaged □ Engaged □ Present □ Drifting
Trend: □ Rising □ Stable □ Falling
Action Needed: [If any]
Seeds & Opportunities
Planted Seeds
- [Element]: Introduced session [#], waiting for [trigger]
- [Element]: Introduced session [#], waiting for [trigger]
Future Opportunities
- Personal Quest: [Specific adventure]
- Nemesis: [Who and why]
- Triumph: [Victory scene]
- Tragedy: [Loss possibility]
Connection Points
To Main Plot: [How personal ties to campaign]
To Other PCs: [Shared investment]
To World: [Stakes beyond self]
Arc Completion Checklist
Character Growth
- Started with clear flaw/limitation
- Faced challenges to core belief
- Made meaningful choice
- Changed (or consciously refused change)
- Integrated growth into identity
Story Beats
- Introduction established normal
- Inciting incident created personal stakes
- Rising challenges tested character
- Climax forced major decision
- Resolution showed new normal
Player Satisfaction
- Player felt heard and seen
- Character mattered to story
- Growth felt earned
- Ending satisfied (even if tragic)
- Seeds planted for future
Next Arc Planning
Potential New Want: [What might drive them next]
Unresolved Thread: [What carries forward]
New Relationship Dynamic: [How bonds evolved]
Fresh Challenge: [What tests new growth]
DM Notes
Player Communication Style: [How to talk to them]
Subtle vs Direct: [How obvious to be]
Collaboration Level: [How much to plan together]
Red Lines: [What to avoid]
If Character Dies: [Impact and memorial]
If Player Misses Sessions: [How to handle arc]
If Arc Stalls: [Backup plan]
Update after significant character moments. Review monthly for arc health.