How can you create a character arc that subverts audience expectations?

The Kansas City Shuffle, Baby. You build a story arc that seemingly points the plot in one direction, then pull the rug just as the audience thinks they know what's about to happen next. This A story can be interwoven with a B and C story so that they all line up on the same timeline for the big: "Holy sh*t, I did NOT see that coming!" moment.

An adage we should never forget that the Characters are more important than the story. While there are only 7 basic narrative plots, it is the characters that unlock an infinite number of stories. The best stories are also the ones where we know what will happen - like the start of every Mission Impossible and Star Wars movie. But we still are intrigued enough to want to watch how it will happen. And this is where characters play a role. The development of the Character arc, helps the intended narrative to play out in a manner that is surprising and imaginative.

Next, identify common character tropes or stereotypes that audiences may expect your character to conform to based on their initial presentation or background. These could include the hero, the villain, the sidekick, the mentor, or the love interest, among others. Recognizing these tropes allows you to intentionally deviate from them and surprise the audience with unexpected character development. This subversion can involve challenging or overturning traditional character roles, motivations, or traits in innovative ways.

To subvert audience expectations, craft unexpected decisions and actions for your character that deviate from typical narrative trajectories. This could involve having your character make choices that contradict their initial goals, values, or personality traits. These decisions should challenge the audience's assumptions about the character and create suspense or intrigue about their true motivations or intentions. By defying predictable patterns, you can keep the audience engaged and guessing about the direction of the character's arc.

To further subvert audience expectations, introduce conflicting motivations and desires within your character. This can add depth and complexity to their arc, making it more unpredictable and compelling. Perhaps your character has a primary goal they are pursuing, but they also harbor secret desires or fears that pull them in conflicting directions. These inner conflicts can lead to surprising choices and actions that challenge the audience's assumptions about the character's trajectory. By exploring the tension between different aspects of your character's psyche, you can create a character arc that defies conventional storytelling conventions.

Show don't tell is key. You always want to explore the character using the five senses - taste, touch, look, smell, and hear. What might they like to eat? How would that happen? There's a famous scene in the film The Grifters with Anjelica Houston eating by herself. She's smoking, drinking coffee and eating what looks like oatmeal. Once she's bothered by a drunk man in also in the diner, she ends up elbowing him in the neck as he gasps for air. She's a killer at heart and you can tell just with this scene.

Another effective way to subvert audience expectations is to challenge your character's beliefs and assumptions throughout their arc. Introduce situations, conflicts, or revelations that force your character to question the validity of their worldview or the righteousness of their actions. This can create moments of internal conflict and growth as your character grapples with new perspectives or realities. By confronting your character with unexpected challenges or dilemmas, you can lead them down a path that defies traditional narrative trajectories and keeps the audience engaged and intrigued.

Exactly! Integrating the character's arc seamlessly with the overarching plot ensures that their development feels natural and purposeful within the narrative. This balance helps maintain the audience's engagement and investment in both the character and the story as a whole.

The character arc is their growth spurt throughout the duration of the film from start to finish. The plot and the supporting role dialogue should be centered around it without giving it away. The audience loves to know the happenings but they don't want you to give away the ending so easily. Don't forget to give them a twist in the 3rd act.

Absolutely! Testing your character's arc through self-reflection and feedback is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness and resonance with the audience. Incorporating diverse perspectives can provide valuable insights and help refine the arc to its fullest potential.