What's Happening?
Writer and story artist Adam Argot, with 15 years of experience in film, TV, games, and publishing, proposes that what storytellers commonly refer to as a character arc is fundamentally a rite of passage. Argot, who teaches story structure at CalArts
and USC, details this perspective in his upcoming 2025 book, 'The Story Ritual: Character Arcs & Rites of Passage.' He draws a direct connection between modern character development and Arnold van Gennep's 1909 theory of rites of passage, which outlines three universal phases: separation, liminality (the in-between state), and incorporation. Argot argues that understanding this connection allows writers to create deeper, more meaningful stories by focusing on how characters are endowed with new values as they transition between identities. This framework suggests that the three-act structure prevalent in screenwriting is inherently rooted in these ancient ritualistic transitions, influencing how characters cross thresholds and evolve.
Why It's Important?
Argot's perspective offers a significant theoretical framework for U.S. film, television, and game industries, potentially influencing how narratives are conceived and executed. By reframing character arcs as rites of passage, storytellers might shift from merely plotting events to crafting experiences that resonate on a deeper, ritualistic level with audiences. This approach could lead to more emotionally impactful and culturally significant works, moving beyond simple escapism to provide meaningful engagement. For writers and directors, this understanding could inform choices that create characters whose transformations feel authentic and profound, reflecting universal human experiences of identity formation and societal integration. The emphasis on 'sacred values' over 'practical values' in storytelling could elevate the quality and depth of popular entertainment, fostering narratives that explore core human identity and community belonging.
What's Next?
With Adam Argot's book, 'The Story Ritual: Character Arcs & Rites of Passage,' set for release in 2025, the U.S. storytelling community can anticipate a deeper dive into his theories. This publication may spark further discussions and adoption of his framework within screenwriting programs, workshops, and professional circles. Filmmakers, television producers, and game developers might begin to consciously apply the rite-of-passage model to their character development processes, potentially leading to a new wave of narratives that prioritize profound character transformation. The academic and creative communities will likely engage in critical analysis and practical application of Argot's ideas, influencing future storytelling trends and educational curricula in the entertainment industry. This could lead to a re-evaluation of existing narrative structures and a push towards stories that explore identity and societal roles with greater depth.
Beyond the Headlines
Argot's theory touches upon the broader cultural implications of storytelling, suggesting that narratives serve a function similar to ancient rituals in helping individuals navigate identity crises and societal roles. In a modern U.S. society often characterized by rapid change and a sense of disorientation, stories that function as 'rituals' could play a crucial role in providing a sense of orientation and shared values. This perspective highlights the ethical responsibility of storytellers to craft narratives that not only entertain but also contribute to the audience's understanding of self and community. The distinction between stories that convey 'practical values' and those that convey 'sacred values' could prompt a re-evaluation of what constitutes 'great' entertainment, pushing for content that fosters deeper engagement with fundamental human questions rather than just offering temporary diversion. This could lead to a long-term shift in how the cultural impact of media is perceived and valued.
