Top 5 BEST Character Arcs in YA Books! Minor Spoilers!

By:Meilun

The best part about reading books is meeting the characters. We all have read books where some characters are really flaky or weak in the beginning, but turned out to be a KWEEN in the end. Ahhh, who doesn't love character development. These are the top 5 characters in YA books that had the best character arcs!

1. Feyre Archeron

Feyre Archeron from the series "A Court Of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J Maas is the definition of a survivor. She overcame relationships that were toxic/abusive, manipulation, PTSD, and many other emotionally and physically harmful events. She started off the book really reliant and kind of naive. She was kinda a pushover, and a lot of people stepped right over her. But as the book goes along, she learns how to stand up for her choices, and who actually has her back. She becomes colder, smarter and a whole lot crueler to those who try to hurt her. Her character arc is probably my favourite because the trauma, anxiety and emotional conflict was written so well.

2.Kaz Brekker

Kaz Brekker from the duology "Six Of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo is the original depresso expresso. After having a very traumatic past that left him with a disabilty, he turns into a very cold and menacing character. He does not show emotions, or that he cares for anyone because he veiws that as a weakness and a disavantage. As well, due to his not so bright childhood, his moral code is severely twisted up. Kaz in my opinion is not a protagonist character, but acts more like an anti-hero, which we looove. As the story evolves, he starts caring for the people in his group, and even develops feeling for another character. He starts risking things for others, and doesn't only focus on his own well being. He is far from a cinnamon roll yet, but Kaz is starting to see the goodness in others and himself.

3. Sansa Stark

Sansa Stark from "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George RR Martin, in my opinion is the OG character growth arc. She starts off as a naive, bratty, spoiled and hella entitled character. Like seriously, she could've been on Toddlers and Tiaras. But after enduring truly awful things that happen in Game Of Thrones, she started maturing. She got smarter, crueler, fiercer, and (thankfully) less whiney. She learned how to play the game, and became a very good schemer. However, there were many parts in the books where she did get bested by other characters, cause its Game of Thrones afterall, and most characters are deranged physcopaths.

4. Alec Lightwood

Alec Lightwood from the "Mortal Instrument" Series written by Cassandra Clare has a very good character redemption arc. In the beginning, he was sort of a selfish jerk. He was cold to other characters, and was hellbent on enforcing his ideas. However, we learned later on that his parents are actually pressuring him to be the perfect son, and that he spent a long time in the closet. Alec slowly starts changeing for the better when he stands up against his parents and starts opening up that closet door. He becomes more compassionate for other people, less of a snob, and learns to be independant from his controlling helicopter family. At the end, he becomes one of the best leaders in the book and gets together with someone he truly loves.

5. Celaena Sardothien

Last but certainly not least, there is Celaena Sardothien from the "Throne of Glass" series written by Sarah J Maas. She starts off as a very cocky, arrogant, witty and selfish character. She always has this swaggering mask on, and seems on top of her stuff. She presented herself as a vain person, who has very,very high opinions of herself. Celaena was also very selfish, often choosing not to get involved in things that may hinder her from getting what she wants, even if she knew what was happening was wrong. However, as the series continues, Celaena becomes a much more mature and compassionate character. Well, she was always compassionate, but the things she went through killed that side of her. She also regains her moral compass, and dedicates herself to help others. Of course, she still kept her swagger and confidence, but that just makes her an even more loveable character.