“Unraveling the Tapestry of Self: Can Our Stories Shape Who We Truly Are?”
Every great story features a protagonist whose journey raises the inevitable question: “Who are you?” This deep, existential inquiry isn’t just a plot device; it’s the heartbeat of storytelling that resonates with audiences on a fundamental level. Take a moment and think about it—who hasn’t felt like a puzzle piece that just doesn’t quite fit in the grand picture of life? It’s a relatable struggle; we relate to these characters who stand on the precipice of transformation, wrestling with their identities and choices. In this article, I’ll dive into how the protagonist’s arc often reflects our own chaotic struggles and revelations. So grab your favorite beverage and settle in, because understanding who these characters become can lead us to a clearer perspective on our own lives. You won’t want to miss the insights awaiting you! LEARN MORE.
Every story inevitably raises this question about the Protagonist: “Who are you?”
Last week, I posted an article called The Narrative Imperative of the Hero’s Journey. In it, I proposed the following concept:
The events which transpire in the plot… and the characters with whom the hero intersects… all serve and support that character’s transformation.
Steven Hale wrote this in comments:
Wonderfully insightful about how story works.
The protagonist is often hesitant to start the transformation. “Change is good. You go first.”
This reluctance at the beginning hooks the audience into the story. When it appears at the end of act 2 (the moment of despair / doubt before the rebirth) it energizes the audience after a long and episodic act, as well as creating suspense. (One of the audience’s biggest fears is that the movie will end prematurely.)
Here is my response:
I like to think of that end of Act 2 “all is lost” reversal as posing an existential question of the Protagonist: “Who am I?” Are they the individual who is becoming a New Person, a Transformed Individual, and thus willing to take on the Big Challenge against all odds… or will they refuse to go forward and return to their Old Self. It was an…
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