A token arc describes the predictable narrative trajectory assigned to a marginalized character in a show, film, or story who exists mainly to signal diversity rather than as a fully developed person. Their storyline rarely goes anywhere meaningful — they show up, absorb trauma or comic relief, and disappear. Fans use the term to call out lazy writing that treats representation as a checkbox rather than a craft choice. If a character's whole personality is 'the diverse one,' congratulations, they've got a token arc.
They finally gave her a backstory in season three but it still felt like a token arc — two episodes and then nothing.
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