The realm of storytelling is enriched by the presence of complex and deeply flawed characters who embark on transformative journeys. Two iconic figures, Michael Corleone from the 1972 film "The Godfather" and Walter White from the television series "Breaking Bad," exemplify the enthralling nature of some specific types of character arcs.
A character arc is the transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story. If a story has a character arc, the character begins as one sort of person and gradually transforms into a different sort of person in response to changing developments in the story.
Although the stories of Walter and Michael differ in genre and medium, the striking similarities between narratives are remarkable. Both characters find themselves entangled in a treacherous web of criminality, and tragically, they lose their families in their pursuit to save them. This article explores the captivating parallel character arcs of Michael Corleone and Walter White:
1. From Reluctance to Embrace: Michael Corleone, initially distancing himself from his family's criminal activities, is drawn into the world of organized crime due to circumstances beyond his control. Similarly, Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, doesn't even think about a criminal lifestyle. As circumstances worsen, both characters find themselves succumbing to the seductive power of their newfound roles.
2. Necessity as the Catalyst: For both Michael and Walter, the catalyst for their transformation is a desperate need to protect their families. Michael's sense of duty drives him to take charge of his family's criminal empire and ensure their safety. Similarly, Walter, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, turns to manufacturing and distributing drugs to secure his family's financial future. Both characters operate under the belief that they are making sacrifices for the greater good, but their choices come with devastating consequences.
3. Losses Incurred: While striving to protect their families, Michael and Walter experience profound losses. Michael's ascent into power leads to the disintegration of his personal relationships, estranging him from his second wife, Kay, and alienating him from his siblings. Walter, too, faces the erosion of his family bonds as his illicit activities consume his life. His wife, Skyler, becomes increasingly distant, and his son, Walter Jr., grapples with the repercussions of his father's choices. Ultimately, both characters sacrifice the very thing they set out to save— their families.
4. Moral Decline: As Michael and Walter plunge deeper into the criminal underworld, their moral compasses become increasingly distorted. Michael, originally viewed as the innocent son, transforms into a ruthless and calculating mob boss, shedding his initial reservations. Walter, a once well-intentioned family man, descends into darkness, rationalizing his actions in the name of providing for his loved ones. The boundaries of right and wrong blur for both characters as they become consumed by their own power and ambitions.
5. The Tragic Irony: The tragic irony lies in the realization that Michael and Walter's efforts to save their families ultimately result in their undoing. Michael's ruthless pursuit of power leads to the loss of his loved ones (the death of his wife Apollonia in a car bomb, he orders the assassination of his brother Fredo), leaving him isolated and tormented by guilt. Similarly, Walter's choices not only destroy his family but also expose them to danger, forcing them into a life of fear and instability. In their desperate attempts to protect, they unwittingly become the agents of destruction.
Michael Corleone and Walter White, despite belonging to different narrative mediums, share a parallel character arc that revolves around the sacrifice of their families. There is a limited number of transformations that your character can undergo. When reviewing and rewriting your script, it's a great practice to find a character from popular culture that shares the same character arc and compare their journey. It can really speed up your process of rewriting your screenplay.
For more info on writing great characters, visit Jump-Start to Screenwriting: Everything You Need to Know to Write Your First Script
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