Flat Arc

In a flat arc, the protagonist already possesses the truth or moral compass needed from the beginning. Rather than transforming internally, they are tested by a world that challenges their beliefs. The arc's drama comes from whether the character will hold firm or abandon their convictions under pressure. The world changes around them, even if they do not.

Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a classic flat-arc character. Steve Rogers's core values of integrity, self-sacrifice, and standing up for others remain constant across multiple films. The drama is in how those values are tested by increasingly complex moral situations. Similarly, Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird maintains his principles despite the community's racism.

A flat arc is not the same as a static character. Flat-arc characters still face genuine challenges and may learn new skills or gain new understanding. What remains constant is their fundamental worldview. Flat arcs work best in stories where the theme is about standing firm against corruption or injustice.