Beyond the Hero's Journey: Crafting Powerful and Original Character Arcs for the Screen

Telling a story is simple, right? You take a hero and send them on a journey. But what if your story doesn't fit into that basic structure? In Beyond the Hero's Journey, BAFTA award-winning screenwriter Anthony Mullins champions one of the most powerful, yet most misunderstood, tools in a writer's toolkit - character arcs. He looks at celebrated films from around the world and shows how character arcs create the emotional shape of a story and offer writers of all levels an incredible variety of narratives that go far beyond the traditional, three-act Hero's Journey.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2022
Publisher: Oldcastle Books Ltd

Telling a story seems straightforward, right? You take a hero and send them on a journey. There's a beginning, middle, and end. But what if your story doesn't fit into that basic structure? In Beyond the Hero's Journey, BAFTA award-winning screenwriter Anthony Mullins champions one of the most powerful, yet most misunderstood, tools in a writer's toolkit: character arcs. Looking at celebrated films from around the world, including Moonlight, Lady Bird, The Social Network, The Godfather, A Fantastic Woman, Mulholland Drive, Shoplifters, Amour, Inside Llewyn Davis, Call Me By Your Name, Midsommar, and The Father, he shows how character arcs not only create the emotional shape of a story but also offer writers of all levels an incredible variety of narratives that go far beyond the traditional, three-act Hero's Journey.

For every writer who has ever felt frustrated by the neat confines of how-to guides, the book will teach you how to excel in telling more complex, original, and authentic stories, and how to share your own distinctive voice with the world.

Character arcs are the backbone of any great story. They are the building blocks that create the emotional journey of the characters and drive the plot forward. In Beyond the Hero's Journey, Mullins delves into the power of character arcs and how they can be used to create stories that are more complex, original, and authentic.

One of the key insights Mullins offers is that character arcs are not just about the hero's journey. They are about the journey of all the characters in the story, including the antagonist, supporting characters, and even the minor characters. By exploring the character arcs of all the characters, writers can create a more nuanced and layered story that resonates with readers on a deeper level.

Another important aspect of character arcs is that they can be used to create a variety of narratives that go beyond the traditional three-act Hero's Journey. Mullins showcases a range of films that demonstrate the versatility of character arcs, including Moonlight, Lady Bird, The Social Network, The Godfather, A Fantastic Woman, Mulholland Drive, Shoplifters, Amour, Inside Llewyn Davis, Call Me By Your Name, Midsommar, and The Father. Each of these films uses character arcs in unique and innovative ways to tell their stories, creating a rich and diverse tapestry of narratives that go far beyond the traditional Hollywood formula.

In addition to exploring the power of character arcs, Mullins offers practical tips and techniques for writers to use in their own writing. He discusses the importance of developing well-rounded characters, creating a compelling plot, and using dialogue and action to drive the story forward. Mullins also provides examples of how character arcs can be used to create tension, conflict, and resolution in a story, creating a more engaging and compelling narrative.

Beyond the Hero's Journey is a must-read for any writer who wants to create more complex, original, and authentic stories. It offers a wealth of insights and practical tips that will help writers develop their own distinctive voice and create stories that resonate with readers on a deeper level. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, this book will provide you with the tools you need to excel in telling more complex, original, and authentic stories.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857305114