How to Introduce a Protagonist Like the Greats Do

Video Description

How do the greatest films of all time introduce their protagonists—and why does it work so well? In this video, we analyze the introduction of the main characters in IMDb’s Top 20 highest-rated films, and break down when they appear, how they’re framed, and why these first moments make us instantly care. Whether you’re writing a novel, planning a screenplay, or learning how to write better characters, mastering the art of introducing your protagonist is one of the most powerful storytelling tools you can develop. This is part 4 in the Elements of IMDb Top 20 series. ▶️ Part 1: https://youtu.be/dzBTu5qX5a0 ▶️ Part 2: https://youtu.be/Xi_ap3ySK9s ▶️ Part 3: https://youtu.be/4uA9mnY6Dfo ▶️ Next up: https://youtu.be/gTPrhEOdjME In this episode: • When the protagonist should enter the story • Different introduction techniques: direct, delayed, narrated, heroic • How to write character introductions that create emotional investment • What writers, screenwriters, and storytellers can learn from the greatest movies ever made This video is for writers, screenwriters, storytellers, and anyone learning how to write a novel or screenplay with strong character development. Next up: We’ll flip the perspective and look at the *antagonist*—what traits they share, and how they challenge the hero. 🔗 Links: - Protagonist traits: https://youtu.be/4uA9mnY6Dfo - 🙌 Support the channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOrganizedWriter 🎬 Featured films include: The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, The Dark Knight, 12 Angry Men, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix, Pulp Fiction, Forrest Gump, and more. Thanks for watching—and keep writing. 📓 Chapters 📓 00:00 – How should the protagonist be introduced? 00:41 – When the Protagonist Enters 01:11 - Introduced Right Away 02:08 - Delayed Introduction 03:10 – Four Ways to Introduce Them 04:07 – The Disruptive Outsider 04:46 – The Underdog in Danger 05:38 – The Capable Hero 06:08 – The Inner Voice 06:58 – What You Can Learn