Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the hero’s journey, as seen in both traditional and modern stories. Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings is a prime example of how mentorship influences the hero’s path. While Aragorn is a leader in his own right, it’s the guidance of figures like Gandalf and his father […]

Hollywood’s increasing focus on female-led projects in recent years has been a welcome shift towards more diverse and representative storytelling. However, not all of these films and series have been successful in resonating with audiences. When female characters are placed in traditionally male-dominated roles, like action hero or superhero, there’s a risk of focusing too

Mentorship is often the unsung hero in the stories of many iconic heroes. In The Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi’s guidance shapes Daniel’s not just in martial arts but in life itself. The mentor-student relationship adds depth to the hero’s journey, offering wisdom, encouragement, and guidance that is essential to the protagonist’s growth. In traditional hero

A hero’s journey is never truly solitary. While the protagonist is the one who undergoes transformation, it’s often the supporting characters who play a pivotal role in shaping that journey. Whether as allies, mentors, or foils, they provide critical contrast and assistance, helping the hero evolve. Take The Lord of the Rings—Frodo’s journey is largely

In storytelling, the victimhood narrative often portrays characters who are trapped in circumstances beyond their control, yet it doesn’t always lead to authentic empowerment. While it’s important to showcase struggles and adversity, true empowerment comes from agency—characters taking charge of their own destinies. Take characters like The Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen or The Queen’s Gambit’s

Modern writers often make the mistake of focusing too much on a female protagonist’s external strengths and not enough on their internal complexities. A well-rounded female protagonist needs more than just physical power or independence—she needs to have flaws, fears, dreams, and growth. Think about characters like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice or Joan

Struggle is the heartbeat of great character development. Characters like Walter White in Breaking Bad or Jon Snow in Game of Thrones become compelling because they face immense adversity. These challenges reveal their humanity and drive their growth. Walter White starts as a mild-mannered teacher, but his descent into the criminal world is driven by

In recent years, the rise of the “strong female lead” has been a dominant trend in media, but not all of these characters connect with audiences in the way they’re meant to. The problem often lies in the misunderstanding of what makes a female lead “strong.” Strength isn’t just about physical prowess or having a

Timeless heroism is often defined by acts of virtue and sacrifice. Think of Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series. Both characters are heroes not because they are the strongest or most powerful, but because they willingly make sacrifices for the greater good. Frodo’s journey is

When we think of authentic strong female characters, Kim Wexler from Better Call Saul and Rita Vrataski from Edge of Tomorrow offer excellent case studies. Kim Wexler isn’t your typical action hero. Instead, her strength lies in her intelligence, her moral compass, and her resilience. Throughout Better Call Saul, she’s a character who navigates the