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Seven Longstanding Characters Failing to Acquire Any New Knowledge throughout Their Stories

Honoring seven exemplary figures who fearlessly remained unyielding in their authenticity, serving as reminders that at times, stagnation is what we yearn for.

,   and  ASMedia
5 min read
Celebrating Seven Timeless Characters, Each Unyielding in Their Identity, Fueling Desire for...
Celebrating Seven Timeless Characters, Each Unyielding in Their Identity, Fueling Desire for Refreshing Consistency Over Change.

Seven Longstanding Characters Failing to Acquire Any New Knowledge throughout Their Stories

Unchanging Icons: A Fresh Look at Film's Most Memorable Characters

Let's debunk the myth that screenwriting requires characters to change. When someone pretending to be a film guru preaches that something "must" be a certain way, it's all bullsh*t. Here's why:

Take the notion of character transformation, for example. In our cozy little film world, we're constantly bombarded with the idea that a character's arc, growth, and transformation are essential. But let's be real: sometimes, a character's resistance to change is what makes them unforgettable. Iconic characters don't always learn lessons, undergo profound growth, or emerge as better people – and yet, audiences adore them!

There are times when characters don't change at all. Their world changes, but they stay the same. Let's give a shout-out to seven extraordinary characters who stayed stubbornly true to themselves:

  1. The Dude from The Big LebowskiJeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski personifies anti-arcs. Despite getting wrapped up in bizarre events beyond his control, he steadfastly refuses to adapt to society's expectations. Kidnappings, threats, and bowling tournaments can't get to him; he remains The Dude throughout it all. His steadfastness reminds us that not everyone needs to be a hero; sometimes, it’s enough just to… abide.

Takeaway: The Dude teaches us that consistency can be just as compelling as change. Audiences crave seeing characters who stick to their quirks, flaws, and worldviews.

  1. Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller's Day OffFerris Bueller is a master schemer and eternal high school legend. Over the course of one wild day off, he evades his principal, avoids responsibilities, and experiences no real consequences. He doesn't learn a lesson or grow as a person; he just lives in the moment. Ferris' lack of development embodies a certain wish-fulfillment fantasy – the idea that life can sometimes simply be fun, with no strings attached.

Takeaway: Ferris demonstrates that a character who lives in the moment without undergoing a life-changing event can still captivate the audience.

  1. Dr. Richard Kimble from The FugitiveIn The Fugitive, Harrison Ford's Dr. Richard Kimble starts as an innocent man – a successful doctor and devoted husband falsely accused of murder. By the end of the film, he's vindicated and uncovered his wife's killer, but he doesn't fundamentally change. Kimble's steadfastness is compelling; audiences root for a character not just because they change, but because they endure.

Takeaway: Kimble shows us that endurance can make a character just as compelling as growth.

  1. James Bond (Various)James Bond is the eternal spy, the epitome of suave, and one of the most iconic unchanging characters in film. Across decades, Bond dodges bullets, seduces allies, and downs vodka martinis. He doesn't grow or retire; he just keeps on keeping on. Sure, we get hints of his past, and sometimes he faces emotional challenges, but his core personality remains unchanged. And audiences don't just accept it; they expect it.

Takeaway: Bond's consistency is a staple of his appeal. When audiences sign up for a Bond film, they know exactly what they're getting – and they wouldn't want it any other way.

  1. Jules Winnfield from Pulp FictionYes, Jules Winnfield quotes the Bible, contemplates his purpose, and considers a new path by the end of Pulp Fiction. But what makes him unforgettable is his unapologetic, larger-than-life persona throughout most of the film. He doesn't suddenly become a softie or reject his violent past; he's still the badass hitman we meet at the start. The so-called "transformation" is more of an ambiguous possibility than a clear-cut arc, leaving us wondering if he's really changed at all.

Takeaway: Tarantino uses Jules' potential arc to keep audiences on their toes, making him memorable not for his change, but for his intense character.

  1. Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the CaribbeanCaptain Jack Sparrow is one of those rare characters who can take audiences through multiple films without evolving much at all. He's a pirate, a trickster, and a legend in his own mind, consistently staying true to his chaotic, unpredictable nature. Sure, he may join a few causes, dodge death, and engage in countless adventures, but he's always Captain Jack – stumbling, scheming, and slurring his way through. He doesn't become a hero or renounce piracy; he's unapologetically himself from start to finish.

Takeaway: Jack Sparrow's charm lies in his eccentric, unchanging personality. Audiences keep coming back for more of him, not because he grows, but because he stays perfectly in character.

  1. Tony Montana from ScarfaceTony Montana is an iconic example of a character who doesn't grow or change. In Scarface, Tony begins as a ruthless killer with big ambitions, and by the end, he's still a ruthless killer – just with more money, power, and an infamous cocaine habit. He rises from a nobody to the top cocaine dealer in the U.S., but his violent, cutthroat nature remains the same. Tony's static character is exactly what makes him both fascinating and tragic.

Takeaway: Tony Montana demonstrates that a character can become larger-than-life without personal transformation. His downfall is rooted in his unchanging nature, and that's what makes his story memorable.

Final Thoughts: Do Characters Really Need to Change?

Sometimes, it's refreshing to watch a character who doesn't "learn a lesson." In an age where transformation is a storytelling staple, characters like The Dude, Bond, and Ferris remind us that some people don't need to change to be memorable. They break the mold by staying true to their essence, capturing our hearts without a single arc.

So, the next time someone tells you your character must grow, remember: a lack of change can be just as powerful. 🖖

  1. In the realm of screenwriting, it is not always necessary for characters to undergo a change in their arc for a story to be compelling.
  2. The character of Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski from the film The Big Lebowski exemplifies anti-arcs, remaining steadfastly consistent despite the chaos surrounding him.
  3. Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a master schemer who embodies a wish-fulfillment fantasy, captivating audiences with his carefree living and lack of development.
  4. Dr. Richard Kimble from The Fugitive demonstrates that endurance can be just as compelling as growth, as he unwaveringly pursues justice in the face of adversity.
  5. James Bond, the eternal spy, maintains a consistent persona across decades, and his consistency is a significant part of his enduring appeal.
  6. Characters can also be memorable for their intense characterization, like Jules Winnfield from Pulp Fiction, who is unapologetically larger-than-life throughout the movie.
  7. In some cases, a character's static nature can contribute to their tragic appeal, as seen in Tony Montana from Scarface, whose unchanging ruthless nature ultimately leads to his downfall.
  8. Remembering that a character's growth is not always essential can lead to the creation of memorable, unique characters that break the mold and captivate audiences.

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