Storytelling is About Revealing Character

At its core, storytelling is about revealing character. While plot, setting, and action are important, what keeps audiences invested in a story is the depth of its characters. Whether it's a novel, a film, a television show, or even a commercial, stories resonate because they allow us to connect with the characters within them. These characters provide the heart and soul of any narrative, making the events that unfold around them meaningful.

The Role of Character in Storytelling

Character is central to storytelling because it shapes the narrative's emotional core. Through characters, we experience the world of the story; we understand motivations, desires, fears, and conflicts. Without compelling characters, even the most intricate plot can feel hollow. This is because character drives plot. Actions and decisions that move the story forward originate from the character’s inner workings — their beliefs, their desires, and their flaws.

For example, in classic literature, we see characters like Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The plot revolves around her relationships and societal constraints, but the heart of the story is about Elizabeth’s growth. It is her evolving perceptions and moral judgments that shape the events of the novel. The audience is engaged not just because of what happens but because of who Elizabeth is and how she reacts to those events.

Character Revelation Through Conflict

Conflict is a critical tool in revealing character. When characters are placed in challenging situations, their true nature is often revealed. The way a character responds to conflict — whether internal or external — showcases their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and values.

Consider a character like Walter White from the television series Breaking Bad. The series places him in extreme moral dilemmas, which, over time, reveal a complex portrait of a man who transforms from a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless drug lord. The conflict he faces does not just move the plot forward but strips away layers of his character, exposing his darker tendencies and ambitions. The storytelling captivates because of how Walter White's character is unveiled bit by bit, shaped by the choices he makes under pressure.

Character Agency and Growth

Character development is key to revealing who someone is and who they might become. The arc of a character’s growth or change often forms the backbone of a story. This growth doesn't necessarily have to be positive; characters can evolve in both constructive and destructive ways. What's important is that this change is authentic and reflective of their experiences throughout the narrative.

In The Godfather, Michael Corleone’s journey from an idealistic war hero to a ruthless mafia boss reveals a character transformed by circumstances and choices. The story is powerful not because of its mafia-centric plot alone but because of Michael’s deep and gradual change as a character. Audiences are drawn to his internal conflict, watching as his ideals clash with his family's influence and, eventually, succumb to it.

Connecting with Audiences

Ultimately, stories are about human connection. We are drawn to characters who reflect parts of ourselves, our experiences, and our aspirations. Even when characters are vastly different from us, we can empathize with them when they are fully developed, multidimensional, and real. Great storytelling gives us insight into human nature and allows us to live vicariously through the characters we follow.

This connection is why revealing character is the essence of storytelling. A well-crafted character makes the stakes of the plot matter. We care about the outcome because we care about the person at the center of the story. Their journey, their choices, and their growth — or lack thereof — provide the emotional weight that elevates a narrative from a sequence of events to a meaningful exploration of life and humanity.