Losing to success. Wait, what?

Last time I talked about success not being permanent, but there's another facet as well. Many stories deal with what happens to characters who fail, mess up, or generally lack success. It might begin with it, or end that way, but in some way or another the characters need to deal with it. I'll wager that this concept is pretty understandable to us all, especially when we are struggling. Also, seeing a movie where someone succeeds after failing, or curling up with a book and following a drunken loss pull themselves back from the brink, is heart-warming and uplifting.

What really matters is how the audience gets sucked into the plight of the characters. There are few more relatable concepts than someone not succeeding in their endeavors. Of course, that's my opinion, but so much of what we do is based on the measure of success or failure. And there's a real thrill to see someone, anyone, make it through to the other side of the mud pit of despair. Or, fall from great success and into the pit... not so much a thrill, but no less compelling.

The most interesting aspect to me is how characters deal with their failures. It demonstrates character, or their lack of it. More so, it involves the audience in the entire atmosphere of what's going on. Plus, it creates an arc for the characters, and that's always a good thing. To see characters progress from, for example, innocence to maturity is good storytelling and fun. I really do believe we appreciate seeing people change, and maybe grow in the process. Although, it probably doesn't need to be a good change, since there is definitely a place for stuff going all upside down.

- M

p.s. Did I mention Disney making my favorite villain into a full blown movie? "Maleficent." Check out the movie trailers.