Stories with Multiple POVs: Character Arcs

A writer has many reasons for having multiple points of view in their story. There isn't even a rule for how many to use. How many do you need to tell the story? The fewer, the better, though. After a while, the reader can easily get lost if the writer doesn't have a good handle on character voice.

Regardless of how many a writer chooses, each POV actually has his/her own arc. They are not in the story just as witnesses. They, too, have a purpose, baggage, and hopes just like the main character. While sub characters have smaller arcs they are just as satisfying to the reader as the MC.

No matter how small a role a POV plays, the writer should give them an arc. The following are Four Points to know for each POV. 

The Motivation: The longing for a specific feeling (peace, love, belonging). Not inherently good or bad. This motivation drives the character towards the Goal and stays the same throughout the novel.

The Goal: What the character is trying to achieve, tangible to the reader (The reader will know if this has been fulfilled). The character thinks it will fulfill their motivation and be something they move toward. This can change over the course of the novel.

The Belief: A thought or message about the character, world, or its people. This comes from their background (a specific event or general environment). This can be good or bad. Makes fulfilling their Motivation harder, and it is difficult to let go.

The Lesson: A thought or message that contradicts their Belief. The character must choose to accept or reject it. It can be good or bad. Difficult to accept because it goes against the Belief.