The character’s journey in a film is dictated by many different elements. It could be that they are flawed and they need to discover what makes them special, or it could be that they are in a position of happiness that feels real but in reality is anything but. This would lead the character to discover real kind of happiness. In truth, there are so many different stories and types of characters to the point that each protagonist has their own set of rules. If they all followed similar paths then we wouldn’t want to watch their films!
Film structure is like the structure of a play. There are three acts, and the first act is where we are introduced to the main character - the protagonist. It is here we learn about their lives, their motivations and their role in the story. An example would include in Iron Man where the main character, Tony Stark, is shown as a rich guy who puts himself above anyone else and aims to be the best at what he does. The writing of the character is key, but it is also the performance of an actor that sells the characteristics and personality of the protagonist. Robert Downey Jr. portrays an almost manic, self-imposed version of himself. This helps the audience relate to the character and gives them a reason to stick around to watch their story unfold.
In the second act we usually find a complication. It could be that they find a romantic interest, they could go through something traumatic or they could discover something which they shouldn’t have discovered in the first place. It is here where the protagonist shows their true colours and they make decisions that affect the plot of a film. Look at Titanic, we have Jack and Rose established and they bump into each other in the first part of the film. Then in the second act they get to know each other more and they learn that they are happier together. This is what makes the film engaging because the chemistry between the characters is what drives it forward.
Then when we finally get to the final act where we see the resolution. The characters meet their closure of the story. Sometimes it’s tragic, like a noble death or someone they’re close to dies, and sometimes it’s a happy ending with something like a wedding or finding a new family. This gives the protagonist motivation to move on and become a better version of themselves, while still servicing the story.
When designing a film, the protagonist is always at the centre of it. Everything should move around them, as they are the beating heart of the film. Making a film relatable and personal is what gives the audience a need to experience the film in the first place. It draws us in and makes us part of the experience. Then there’s the antagonist, but we will talk more about that in the next blog!
Thank you for reading!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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