Characteristics of a plasma reactor for partial oxidation of methane, especially focused on the role and effectiveness of plasma chemistry, are investigated. Partial oxidation of methane is investigated using a rotating arc which is a three dimensional version of a typical gliding arc. Three different modes of operation were found. Each mode shows different reforming performance. The reason for the difference is due to the difference in relative role of thermal and plasma chemistry in overall process. A mode with high temperature results higher methane conversion and hydrogen selectivity in contrast to the mode with lower temperature where poor methane conversion and higher selectivity of $C_2$ species are observed. In this way, we can confirm that by controlling characteristic of process or controlling relative strength of plasma chemistry and thermal chemistry, it is possible to map an optimal condition of reforming process by rotating arc.