31 Processes for Creating Change

Any good story requires change over stagnancy. But, how do we guide our characters, players, or narratives in creating change that makes sense?

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Change is the engine of every great story. But real transformation—whether for a character, a group, or an entire world—rarely happens by accident. This page collects 31 psychological and narrative processes that can drive meaningful change. Use them to design believable arcs, plot twists, and world-shaking revolutions.

The 31 Processes

Awareness & Reevaluation

  1. Consciousness-raising: Increasing awareness via information, education, and personal feedback.
  2. Dramatic relief: Feeling strong emotions (fear, hope, inspiration) about the need for change.
  3. Self-reevaluation: Realizing the new behavior is part of who they want to be.
  4. Environmental reevaluation: Noticing how their actions affect others and the world.
  5. Social liberation: Recognizing public or cultural support for change.

Commitment & Support

  1. Self-liberation: Making a commitment to change and believing in one’s ability.
  2. Helping relationships: Finding support from others.
  3. Counter-conditioning: Substituting healthy actions and thoughts for unhealthy ones.
  4. Reinforcement management: Using rewards to encourage positive behavior.
  5. Stimulus control: Managing the environment to support change.

Risk & Outcome Evaluation

  1. Risk comparison: Comparing risks with similar profiles (dread, control, novelty).
  2. Cumulative risk: Considering cumulative probabilities, not just single incidents.
  3. Qualitative/quantitative risks: Weighing different types of risk.
  4. Positive framing: Focusing on success and positive outcomes.
  5. Self-examination of risk: Assessing personal risk and its impact.
  6. Reevaluation of outcomes: Emphasizing positive outcomes of change.
  7. Perception of benefits: Focusing on the advantages of change.
  8. Self-efficacy & social support: Building confidence and seeking help.
  9. Decision making perspective: Focusing on making the decision to change.
  10. Tailoring on time horizons: Setting personal time frames for change.
  11. Focus on important factors: Prioritizing what matters most.

Action & Adaptation

  1. Trying out new behavior: Experimenting with change and learning from experience.
  2. Persuasion of positive outcomes: Reinforcing new positive expectations.
  3. Modelling: Using role models or scenarios to overcome barriers.
  4. Skill improvement: Building a supportive environment and cues for new behavior.
  5. Coping with barriers: Identifying and planning for obstacles.
  6. Goal setting: Setting specific, incremental goals.
  7. Skills enhancement: Adapting strategies, anticipating obstacles, modifying goals.
  8. Dealing with barriers: Accepting setbacks as normal and surmountable.
  9. Self-rewards for success: Celebrating progress and positive consequences.
  10. Coping skills: Identifying high-risk situations and practicing solutions.

Checklist: Using Change Processes in Your Story

  • Which process is your character (or society) using right now?
  • What triggers or supports move them to the next stage?
  • Are setbacks, doubts, and adaptation shown?
  • How do these processes interact with your world’s culture, magic, or technology?
  • Is the change believable and earned?

How to Use These Processes in Stories & Worlds

  • Map a character’s arc by moving them through several processes (e.g., from awareness to action).
  • Use different processes for different characters or factions to create conflict and variety.
  • Show how societies or organizations use these processes to drive revolutions, reforms, or resistance to change.
  • Let setbacks and relapses be part of the arc—change is rarely linear.
  • Combine processes for complex, layered transformation (e.g., a hero who needs both support and new skills).

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