What is meant by "character arc" in narrative storytelling?

In narrative storytelling, "character arc" refers to the transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout the narrative. This concept is fundamental to storytelling, as it highlights the journey of a character from one state to another, often involving significant personal development or change in perspective. A well-crafted character arc allows audiences to connect with the character on a deeper level because they witness their struggles, challenges, and ultimately their evolution.

This transformation can occur in various forms, such as a shift in beliefs, values, or emotional states, and is usually driven by the experiences and conflicts the character encounters within the story. The arc may lead the character to a state of enlightenment, reconciliation, or even deterioration, and is crucial for creating a compelling and engaging narrative.

The other options, while important aspects of storytelling, do not define the character arc. For instance, physical appearance relates to how the character looks, relationships focus on the connections the character has with others, and setting pertains to the environment in which the character operates. However, none of these elements encapsulate the essence of a character's development or the changes they experience over the course of the story, which is the defining feature of a character arc.