Why Authentic Struggles Resonate With Audiences

Authentic struggles are what make a character’s journey truly impactful. When a protagonist faces challenges that feel real—whether emotional, physical, or moral—their victories feel earned. It’s not the struggle itself, but how the character responds to it that makes the story resonate with audiences. Struggles that are meaningful and grounded in the character’s personal development are what connect the audience to the story.

Take Vin from Mistborn or Powder from Arcane. Both characters are faced with immense hardships—Vin grows up in an abusive environment, while Powder struggles with feelings of inadequacy and guilt. These characters don’t simply overcome their struggles through sheer force of will; they must confront their fears, their doubts, and their personal limitations. Their growth comes from learning how to navigate the world, their relationships, and their own identities. It’s their emotional and psychological battles that make their journeys so compelling.

Authentic struggles don’t need to be epic in scale; they can be deeply personal. Whether it’s learning to trust others, dealing with loss, or confronting inner demons, these struggles allow the audience to see the character as more than just a hero—they become a person. This relatability is what makes the story resonate long after the credits roll.