How to Craft a Compelling Corruption Arc with Case Study: Walter White From Breaking Bad

The Write It Scared Podcast

Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.

This week we’re talking about the corruption arc—the dark, compelling journey where a character doesn’t just make mistakes... they choose the wrong path and double down on it. These arcs are all about moral compromise, self-deception, and slow-burning transformation, and when done right, they’re unforgettable.

In this episode, I break down:

• What sets a corruption arc apart from other negative arcs
  
• The false beliefs that fuel the fall
  
• How to structure a story that shows the slow unraveling of a character’s integrity
  
• And of course, I use one of the most iconic examples—Walter White from Breaking Bad—to illustrate how a seemingly good person can become something much darker

Whether you're working on a villain origin story, an anti-hero arc, or just love exploring the more complex, shadowy corners of character development, this episode will help you craft a corruption arc that sticks with your reader.

And don’t miss next week’s episode—I’ll be joined by author and editor Demi Michelle Schwartz, who’s sharing how writing short stories can sharpen your novel-writing skills in surprising ways.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – What is a corruption arc, really?
• 00:17 – Quick hello & what we’re unpacking today
• 01:17 – A refresher on negative character arcs
• 02:28 – The anatomy of a corruption arc
• 04:59 – Walter White’s descent into darkness
• 05:54 – Plot structure and the corruption arc
• 07:44 – Breaking down Walter White’s transformation
• 14:52 – How to craft a strong, believable corruption arc

Corruption arcs are tricky—but so rewarding to write. They push us to look at how people change, what they justify, and the line between who they are and who they become. And spoiler: it’s never as clean as we think.

If you’re building a character who breaks bad, this episode will give you the structure, insight, and tools to do it right.

For more on crafting negative character ars check out:
Episode 46: The Disillusionment Arc

Episode 48: The Falling Arc

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