Great character arcs are built on transformation, and one of the most powerful frameworks for understanding this journey is the four stages of knowing in character arcs. These stages map a character’s growth through initiation to enlightenment to integration in a way that feels deeply satisfying to readers. Why? Because it is yet another way in which the shape of story mirrors the patterns of real life. Once you can see how plot structure challenges characters to grow (sometimes successfully, sometimes not), you can more consciously craft resonant character arcs.
Attributed to many sources, the four stages of knowing have long been one of my favorite tools for charting growth—and, often, for combatting unrealistic desires for immediate perfection. Only recently, did it occur to me these four stages map perfectly onto the four quadrants of a classic story arc. (I discuss plot structure in depth elsewhere on the site and in my books Structuring Your Novel and Next Level Plot Structure, but if you’re unfamiliar, no worries, keep reading!) If you’ve been following this site for any length of time, you know there are endless parallels between story structure/character arc and models of human development (some of which I’ve discussed here and here).
In This Article
What Are the Four Stages of Knowing in Character Arcs?
The four stages of knowing originate from a well-known concept in learning and personal growth, often paraphrased as:
You don’t know what you don’t know.
Then, you know what you don’t know.
Next, you don’t know what you know.
Finally, you know what you know.
Creating Character Arcs (Amazon affiliate link)
This idea has been widely used in psychology, education, and self-improvement to describe the path from ignorance to mastery. It illustrates how awareness and understanding evolve, often through experience and struggle. So it’s no surprise that, in storytelling, these stages align perfectly with the protagonist’s emotional and intellectual growth, making it a valuable tool for crafting (and double-checking) meaningful arcs. Let’s take a look at some of the parallels.
From the book Structuring Your Novel: Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition (Amazon affiliate link)
1st Act: Not Knowing That You Don’t Know
The First Stage
The first stage—not knowing that you don’t know—indicates unconscious ignorance. You’re ignorant of your ignorance. There is a sense of innocence and, often, a seemingly harmless hubris associated with this stage. This can feel like confidence, complacency, or simply an absence of curiosity. Without the knowledge that there’s more to learn, you have no reason to question what you think you know.
It’s impossible to be aware of the gaps in your knowledge until you first encounter a catalyst that challenges your current understanding. Only when something disrupts the seeming “wholeness” of your perspective can the journey toward deeper awareness begin.
The First Act — 1%-25%
In story structure, the purpose and symbolic intent of the First Act perfectly align with this state of seemingly blissful ignorance. The First Act represents a story’s Normal World, in which the character may feel safe, familiar, content, or at least complacent. Even if the character dislikes aspects of the Normal World, it is still a lifestyle that functions reasonably well.
However, despite this basic functionality, the Normal World may be very broken indeed, as in Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre (2011), Focus Features.
In other stories, the character may be utterly satisfied with the Normal World, as in Toy Story.
Toy Story (1995), Walt Disney Pictures.
In still others, the character may be dissatisfied with aspects of the Normal World but see no possible way of changing anything, as in Star Wars: A New Hope.
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), 20th Century Fox.
Whatever the case, the character is stuck, hemmed in by the status quo. This stage of “not knowing” represents the thematic Lie the Character Believes, which creates the foundation of all types of character arcs. The Lie is a limited perspective characters hold about themselves or their world. The story to come will offer them the opportunity to challenge that perspective and grow beyond it.
First Plot Point: Initiation
The stage of “not knowing they don’t know” ends with the story’s first major plot point—the First Plot Point. This moment responds to the Call to Adventure that initially challenged the characters’ worldview. A sliver of doubt is introduced into the complacency of their cohesive worldview. Perhaps all is not as it has always seemed.
Not only does this present the shocking possibility of their own ignorance, it also shines a light on areas of their lifestyles that lack functionality. If a character was previously aware of dysfunction, this moment turns the dial up until it becomes clear something must change. Even if characters adamantly wish to maintain their formerly ignorant mindsets, from here on that will become increasingly difficult. Characters will either bravely begin a slow and difficult journey into growth and expansion—or they will succumb to cowardice and resist the Truth in increasingly dysfunctional ways.
1st Half of 2nd Act: Knowing That You Don’t Know
The Second Stage
In the second stage—knowing that you don’t know—awareness begins to dawn. Now that you’ve encountered something that reveals a gap in your understanding, for the first time you begin to recognize the limitations of what you know. Depending on the gap created by this cognitive dissonance (i.e., the gap between Lie and Truth), this stage can be uncomfortable and even overwhelming. Even small challenges to one’s perspective and worldview create destabilization and uncertainty.
However, this stage also represents the beginning of real learning. Once you’ve recognized you don’t know, the door opens upon vast possibilities for growth and deeper understanding.
The First Half of the Second Act — 25%-50%
Structuring Your Novel: Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition (Amazon affiliate link)
In story structure, the first half of the Second Act represents a stage of “reaction,” as the character struggles to respond to a new status quo without yet having all the necessary knowledge, skills, or tools. This is a stage described by Terry Pratchett’s quote:
Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.
This is a stage of fumbling around in the dark. The only advantage characters have at this point is that at least they know it’s dark—ergo, they better find a match. Previously, they didn’t even understand that much.
>>Click here to read “A Reactive Protagonist Doesn’t Have to Be a Passive Protagonist! Discover the Difference“
Even though the character’s unquestioning belief in the Lie has now been irrevocably challenged, this is a stage in which the character is still very much identified with the Lie. Because the new way of being—the Truth—is not yet clear, the character will understandably continue trying to return to the old ways. By now, however, there’s no going back. Determined ignorance or a retroactive adherence to the Lie will prove less and less effective—effectively “punishing” the character for any lack of progression.
Characters moving toward the Truth will learn to embrace the necessity and the opportunity of growth. They will (eventually) learn from their mistakes, humbly accept their ignorance, and begin gaining the knowledge, skills, tools, and experience they require in order to move forward.
This may be ideological, as in Promised Land.
Promised Land (2012), Focus Features.
Or it may be practical, as in Cast Away.
Cast Away (2000), 20th Century Fox.
Characters may willingly embrace the change, as in Harry Potter.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), Warner Bros.
Or struggle against the hard knocks, as in Toy Story.
Toy Story (1995), Walt Disney Pictures.
In stories in which the character will fail to fully progress through the four stages into positive growth, they will begin inventing stronger and more dangerous Lies in order to maintain the original Lie, as in Hamlet.
Hamlet (1996), Columbia Pictures.
Midpoint: Enlightenment
Halfway through the story—and the stages of growth—the character will encounter the Second Plot Point—or Midpoint—which represents an all-important Moment of Truth. Although this moment does not represent complete illumination, it does provide the character clarity that was so far lacking.
I like to put it like this: this is where the character recognizes and embraces the Truth but does not yet fully reject the Lie. In other words, characters do not yet understand that to step fully into this new way of being, they must first be willing to fully relinquish the old. At this point, they think they can have the best of both worlds.
What is important here is that the character is offered the opportunity to begin shifting out of ignorance into the beginnings of competence.
2nd Half of Second Act: Not Knowing That You Know
The Third Stage
In the third stage—not knowing that you know—this new knowledge is becoming second nature, but you haven’t yet fully realized or integrated your own growth. Up to now, you’ve absorbed lessons, internalized skills, and navigated challenges successfully, but you have not yet shifted your own identification with your ignorance. You may still feel uncertain, questioning whether you truly understand. This stage is often marked by imposter syndrome, doubting your competence despite clear evidence of your growth. It’s a transitional phase in which competence is building, even if you don’t fully see it yet.
Another way to look at the four stages is to see them as a journey from unconsciousness to consciousness. At this third stage, you are becoming consciously competent in this new way of being, but because these conscious skills have not fully integrated into your deepest self, they may still feel awkward, like a suit of clothes a size too big. And yet you are wearing the clothes. Although you may feel like you’re faking it, more and more you’re genuinely making it.
The Second Half of the Second Act — 50%-75%
In story structure, the second half of the Second Act contrasts the “reaction” of the first half as the character moves into a more proactive and effective state of “action.” Characters are increasingly able to not just react to situations but to choose, based on their increasing stash of experience, how they want to respond—and even to initiate actions that now require responses from others. Thanks to their growing understanding of themselves and the world, they are able to make better choices—for which they will be increasingly rewarded.
However, mistakes still happen, for the primary reason that characters have not fully integrated their new Truths. You’ll remember at the Midpoint, they had yet to fully let go of their old ways of being. Now, even though they are becoming increasingly effective in their new mastery, they are still tripping over the remnants of their old ignorance. Eventually, true mastery will require them to fully embrace their new roles, represented by the Truth—which requires them to fully relinquish the old, as represented by the Lie.
If characters are to succeed in completing a successful growth arc, this is where they will become increasingly aware of the effects of their remaining pockets of ignorance or apathy. They will prove willing to continue their journey toward the Truth, sometimes at great cost, as in Jane Eyre.
Jane Eyre (2006), WGBH/BBC.
This is your characters’ last chance to embrace the opportunities offered them. If they fail, they will spiral into even more destructive methods for maintaining the limitations of their initial perspectives, as in What Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), Warner Bros.
Third Plot Point: Integration
The Third Plot marks the final major catalyst in a character’s arc. Here, the character will either succeed or fail in the vital task of fully integrating new knowledge and experiences. Either way, this is a crucible. The old ways must burn away to make room for the new. This is true not just on a practical level (e.g., new job, etc.), but on the egoic level of identity. However much better the new way of being may objectively be, it is never easy to surrender ego identities. Sometimes even just accepting one’s own prowess can feel dangerous to the self.
At the Third Point, characters are given the opportunity (perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime chance) to step up. They’ve been learning all along. They have, in essence, been given many gifts, by dint of their own effort and courage. Now all the chips are on the table. Will they prove capable of fully integrating and owning both the blessings and the responsibilities of everything they’ve learned?
3rd Act: Knowing That You Know
The Fourth Stage
In the final stage—knowing that you know—awareness and confidence align. You no longer question your understanding; you trust it. What once felt uncertain is now second nature, allowing you to apply your new knowledge with clarity and purpose. This is the stage of mastery, in which you recognize how far you’ve come and use what you’ve learned with intention. It’s the culmination of growth, the point at which experience transforms into wisdom.
This is the turning point where one’s conscious understanding becomes so fully embodied as to become subconscious. There is no longer a struggle to understand or implement knowledge; there is only right instinct and the ability to act on it. You no longer have to puzzle out how best to do something; you just know. And you trust this knowledge because, by now, you have gained enough context to understand you’re not missing anything important. You can see the entire battlefield and command your troops accordingly.
The Third Act — 75%-10%
The Third Act “proves” your character’s arc. Either your characters will succeed in transitioning into broader and more effective ways of being; or they will fail. Either they will fully embrace the story’s thematic Truth; or they will cling ever tighter to the Lie—even though it will by now have proven itself not just ineffective but destructive.
Although certain revelations are often left until the story’s Climax, all of the groundwork will culminate with the Third Plot Point. In many ways, the Third Act and its Climax is simply the proving ground for what has come before. This is where your audience gets to see not just if your characters will succeed, but how. How will your characters use what they have learned (or not)? What choices will they make and what actions will they take now that they have fully integrated a new way of being?
In Positive Change Arcs, characters will respond in notably more effective ways than they were capable of in the beginning. Often, the change will be even more significant, as the character is shown to fully embody an entirely new identity, as in Iron Man.
Iron Man (2008), Marvel Studios.
In Negative Change Arcs, characters will have failed the test. They will have stagnated and probably regressed in their attempts to avoid confronting deeper Truths and the challenge to grow. Here, the audience will experience the full consequences of the characters’ failure, as in The Searchers.
The Searchers (1956), Warner Bros.
***
The four stages of knowing in character arcs is a handy, intuitive guide for shaping compelling stories that mirror the universal process of learning and transformation. Whether your characters courageously struggle toward growth or cravenly resist it until the very end, these stages can provide a roadmap for ensuring their arcs feel both meaningful and inevitable. By weaving this psychological truth into your storytelling, you not only strengthen your characters but also invite your audience into a journey that mirrors their own paths toward greater self-awareness and mastery.
In Summary:
Because great character arcs mirror real-life transformation, the four stages of knowing provide a powerful framework for understanding this journey. These stages—unconscious ignorance, conscious ignorance, unconscious competence, and conscious competence—align perfectly with the four quadrants of classic story structure. As characters move from not knowing what they don’t know to fully integrating their newfound wisdom, they undergo a satisfying arc of growth. By using this model, writers can craft arcs that feel authentic and emotionally resonant, ensuring plot structure and character development work in harmony.
Key Takeaways:
- The Four Stages of Knowing provide a structured approach to character development, mapping ignorance to mastery.
- First Act: Characters exist in a state of unconscious ignorance, unaware of their own limitations.
- First Plot Point: A catalyst challenges their worldview, forcing them to acknowledge their ignorance.
- First Half of the Second Act: Characters react, struggling with their newfound awareness and the discomfort of change.
- Midpoint: A crucial revelation brings enlightenment, although full mastery is still out of reach.
- Second Half of the Second Act: Characters begin taking proactive steps, demonstrating unconscious competence but not yet fully realizing their growth.
- Third Plot Point: Full integration occurs as charactera consciously embrace their transformation.
- This framework ensures a natural and compelling progression for character arc that is both relatable and deeply engaging for readers.
Want More?
Next Level Plot Structure (Amazon affiliate link)
Want to learn more about story structure mirrors real life transformation? My most recent book Next Level Plot Structure goes beyond the basic beat sheet of plot points to explore the deeper symbolism of how the foundational beats of storytelling reveal the way we grow, change, and face challenges in the real world. If you want to craft stories that feel deeply meaningful while still delivering a tightly woven plot, this book will show you how! It’s available in paperback and e-book (audiobook is coming soon; still waiting for Amazon to approve it).
Wordplayers, tell me your opinions! How have you used the four stages of knowing in character arcs to shape your protagonist’s transformation? Tell me in the comments!
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