Jen Grisanti Describes How Character Transformation Happens

Transformation occurs when we acknowledge the void tied to the pursuit. An emotional force draws us in when we encounter the central character, often due to feeling their void from the outset. This compels us to lean closer. Executing effectively enables us to see ourselves in the character or recognize the universal aspect of their experience. We sense a mystery. Frequently, something has occurred before our arrival in the story that has left the character feeling stuck or discontented. We become engaged. We desire to learn more. If the writer strikes the right emotional chord, dopamine begins to flow.

My work with writers involves helping them explore their emotional truths so they can immerse us in their characters’ transformations. I guide them to search for a memory or feeling that adds authenticity and depth to their expression, allowing the audience to connect with and feel their intentions as they relate to the story. When there is a universal truth, we connect. 

Writers wishing to learn how to craft a compelling transformational arc can draw from three elements that help define the deeper meaning of their narratives: the wound, the flaw, and the new traits.

The wound and the way writers depict it are continuously evolving. A typical structure begins with a pivotal moment in the wound that parallels the journey the character is about to undertake. Though the initial moment is merely a glimpse, it generates anticipation and curiosity, compelling us to learn more. Our minds are actively connecting what it all signifies. 

The flaw is increasingly used from the beginning rather than starting with the wound. The story begins by observing the character’s actions, which often mirror the flaw or the void. We perceive the flaw in all its complexity. The flaw encapsulates the narrative of the wound. Recognizing the void and acknowledging the flaw intensifies curiosity about the wound. This approach evokes a similar emotional response and mindset as revealing a small piece of the story that leads to the wound. The flaw represents the story of the wound.

The new traits are qualities that a character needs to adopt to achieve their goals. Characters are often unaware of their flaws until they become conscious of them midway or three-quarters of the story. The character can acknowledge their weakness and embrace the new trait, which leads them to accomplish their goal. Alternatively, the character may fail to adopt the new trait and continue with flawed thinking, failing to obtain what they want or need.

Case Study: A Real Pain
For example, we meet Benji (Kieran Culkin) at the airport in the film A Real Pain. We discover he’s been there for a while despite having plenty of time before his flight departs. In the action lines, Jesse Eisenberg writes, “We get glimpses of a young man’s face as morning travelers pass in front of him. This is BENJI KAPLAN. He has an absent look on his face that borders on melancholy.” We engage. We want to know more.

Meanwhile, when David (Jesse Eisenberg) arrives, we see the cousins’ polarity. David is running late. Benji is too early. David is somewhat uptight, and Benji is laid back. David appears to suppress what he feels. Benji expresses everything he feels. David says that he needs to get something to eat. Benji pulls a yogurt out of his pocket. David, “Did you really get this for me?” Benji says that he did. Benji adds that he also got some “shit for us when we get in. Like: very, very good shit.” David, “You’re not taking weed into Poland, right? Benji?” We get Benji’s flaw. We also feel David’s flaw as he continuously has an opinion or reaction to Benji’s behavior. There is also an incident before we enter the story that David asks Benji about. As the tour goes on, we will learn more about what transpired.

The premise involves two cousins going to Poland after losing their grandma, who survived the Holocaust. She left them money, and they wanted to see where and how she lived. We learn they used to be like brothers since they were born weeks apart, but now they feel more distant. David has a tech job and a family, while Benji doesn’t. Benji has no issue expressing his feelings, but David gets embarrassed by Benji’s outwardness. David appears to be a rule follower, while Benji makes his own rules.

We understand that the loss of his grandma wounds both. However, Benji feels it deeper due to their closeness and his differing present life status. The grandma’s death causes a traumatic response from Benji. Smoking weed is part of his coping mechanism. We see Benji’s flaw.

David struggles to express himself and connect with others. Although he appears to have an enviable life, we see him taking medication. In a pivotal scene, we learn what David really feels about Benji. Even though David appears to have a desirable life, he envies Benji for who he is and how he connects with people.

David wants to adopt a new trait to express himself more and connect with Benji on a deeper level. Learning what happened before we enter the story allows us to feel the weight and pressure David experiences as he tries to get closer to his cousin. 

Toward the end, Benji mentions a moment he had with their grandma when she slapped him. He tells David, “Yeah, I was late to meet her for dinner. Just 15 minutes. And I was pretty high…” David asks, “Did it hurt?” Benji replies, “Yeah. But it was the best thing that ever happened to me…” Benji goes on to explain why it made him happy.

After hearing this story, David acquires the new trait of being able to express himself outwardly. This is also a moment when the flaw is double-confronted. This also opens the moment when David tells Benji their grandma loved him. Benji, “She loved you too, Dave. She just knew I needed a little more…”

We perceive the transformation by recognizing the shared wounds the cousins carry about their grandma’s death, their ineffective coping strategies, and the new traits they need to learn from each other to reconnect. Although time and life choices may change who we are, understanding our needs can guide us back home.

Find out more about Jen Grisanti at www.jengrisanti.com