on Helping Writers become Authors:

The Disillusionment Arc is one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant transformations a character can undergo.

At its core, this arc is about awakening—shedding comforting illusions to face a stark and often uncomfortable Truth.

While it shares similarities with the Positive Change Arc, the Disillusionment Arc doesn’t always lead to a hopeful resolution. Instead, it challenges both the characters and the audience to grapple with the weight of reality.

However, despite its seemingly bleak nature, the Disillusionment Arc isn’t inherently negative. It reflects a fundamental aspect of human growth: the process of seeing the world as it truly is and deciding what to do with that knowledge.