Crafting the Tragic Falling Character Arc

The Write It Scared Podcast

The Falling Arc isn’t about a villain—it’s about a character who could have chosen differently but instead becomes consumed by their worst impulses. Their story isn’t just dark—it’s unsettling, raw, and real.

This character starts with potential, but instead of rising to the occasion, they spiral downward—deeper into moral corruption, delusion, or even self-destruction.

The Falling Arc is one of the most devastating negative character arcs (overview of negative arcs in episode 46,) and today, we’re breaking down exactly how to write one.

Using Tom Ripley from The Talented Mr. Ripley as a prime example, this episode explores:

🔥 What makes a falling arc so compelling (and chilling)
🔥 The false beliefs that drive a character’s descent
🔥 Key story beats that shape their tragic downfall
🔥 How to build reader empathy for a character losing their way
🔥 A full breakdown of Tom Ripley’s arc, from his first deception to his final, chilling moment

If you're crafting a protagonist who loses themselves to darkness, this episode will help you nail the psychological and emotional depth needed to make it unforgettable.

Episode Breakdown

📌 00:00 – The power of negative character arcs
📌 00:53 – What makes the falling arc uniquely tragic?
📌 01:37 – The essential ingredients for a compelling downward spiral
📌 02:59 – Breaking down Tom Ripley’s journey step by step
📌 05:05 – How Tom Ripley’s false beliefs drive his moral downfall
📌 07:19 – The inciting incident that sets his descent in motion
📌 10:45 – Midpoint realization: How Tom justifies his crimes
📌 13:41 – The slow, chilling downward spiral
📌 16:55 – The climax and Tom's ultimate fall
📌 19:26 – Final thoughts on writing falling arcs
📌 20:32 – Recap + sneak peek at next week’s corruption arc deep dive

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