Want Better Characters? Learn From the Best

Video Description

What do the best protagonists in film have in common—and how do their traits shape the story around them? In this video, we break down the main characters from IMDb’s Top 20 highest-rated films of all time, and explore which core traits define them, how those traits drive the plot, and why they make these stories so unforgettable. Whether you’re writing a novel or a screenplay, understanding how character traits interact with theme and structure is essential to crafting stronger, more meaningful stories. This is part 3 in the Elements of IMDb Top 20 series. ▶️ Part 1: https://youtu.be/dzBTu5qX5a0 ▶️ Part 2: https://youtu.be/Xi_ap3ySK9s In this episode: • What makes a protagonist truly work • How traits like resilience, idealism, or strategy shape the story • Why some characters carry the plot—and others don’t • What writers can learn from character construction in great films This video is for writers, screenwriters, story analysts, and anyone building compelling protagonists. Next up: We’ll look at how the introduction of a protagonist can make or break their impact. That video is here → https://youtu.be/k24yWtYwEpE 🔗 Links: - The Character Arc of Aliens: https://youtu.be/kqneZAH3BTk - 🙌 Support the channel on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOrganizedWriter 🎬 Featured films include: The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, The Dark Knight, The Matrix, Se7en, Interstellar, Forrest Gump, Lord of the Rings, and many more. Thanks for watching—and keep writing. 📓 Chapters 📓 00:00 - What traits does the protagonist need? 01:02 - Resilient 02:58 - Intelligent and Analytical 04:21 - Morally Uncompromising 05:42 - Cynical but Decisive 06:45 - Idealistic and Hopeful 08:10 - Rebellious and Defiant