The Danger of Elevating Protagonists Without Growth

A major issue with contemporary storytelling is the tendency to elevate protagonists without allowing them the opportunity to grow. This can be seen in characters who seem perfect from the start or who achieve their goals with little to no personal evolution. When a protagonist is placed in a story where they already possess everything they need to succeed—whether it’s physical strength, intelligence, or confidence—the journey loses its emotional weight.

Consider Rey from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Rey begins her journey as an incredibly capable character with few weaknesses, almost immediately excelling in combat, piloting, and even mastering the Force. While her abilities are impressive, they come at the expense of her personal development. Without facing internal struggles or growing through adversity, her arc becomes predictable and less engaging.

In contrast, characters like Iron Man or Peter Parker undergo significant growth throughout their stories. Iron Man’s arc is built on his transformation from a self-centered arms dealer to a selfless hero, and Spider-Man’s journey is defined by the loss, responsibility, and personal sacrifice he faces. These kinds of character arcs are more compelling because they reflect real human experiences of change, struggle, and self-improvement.

Elevating protagonists without growth can make stories feel flat and unsatisfying. Audiences connect more with characters whose journey of change and self-discovery reflects the struggles we all face in real life.