Today we will be taking a look at the masked character plot device, A. K.A. the third man. A third man is a character who’s identity is intentionally hidden for some greater impact later in the story when their identity is finally revealed. Click on the YouTube video below to watch and enjoy!
What is a story?
For my first post on Storygami Unfolded, I thought I should begin by exploring what a story is. What is a story folks? The funny thing is that a story is one of those things that’s like pornography. Nobody’s definition of it is exactly the same, but we all recognize it when we see it. We all recognize a story when we come across one too. Good or bad.
There are as many variations of the definition of a story as there are people. So, what is a story? Is it just a recording of an event that took place? Is it simply a recounting of a journey? A tale of character growth? Or is it something deeper like a legacy? Is it what’s left of us after we’re gone?
A story can be all of these things or none of these things depending on whatever significance they hold for the particular individual. For those who haven’t yet read the about page. Famous Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino once claimed in an interview with Charlie Rose that most movies don’t tell stories, they just tell situations, and that a story was something that is constantly unfolding.
When I heard that, I got an image in my head of folded paper cranes, like origami. I have always loved a good story, but I also can’t help but study, dissect, and analyze them. So, if I’m comparing a story to origami, I was unfolding the story like I would an origami paper crane. Hence, I named this website Storygami Unfolded.
The Hero’s Journey
For my part, I’m convinced it’s fair to say that a story is an experience. Its focus is on the change the character experiences as a result of their journey to achieve their goal or reach their destination. In movies, they often refer to these things as bookends; what the situation is at the beginning and how it’s different at the end. Even if it’s just the character that is different.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Take Penguins of Madagascar for example. At the beginning they can’t fly because they’re penguins and at the end they’re flying with jetpacks. This is just one way a change has occurred through the experience of the characters.
*END SPOILER ALERT*
A journey is where our hero encounters challenges. Challenges are how the hero grows, and growth is how characters and people change. Ultimately, we feel for these protagonists because of how well they overcome challenges. It isn’t about how many bad guys they can hit and look cool in the process, it’s about how many hits they take and still keep on going.
The Art of Connection
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Beyond the Obstacle
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Growth Unlocked
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Collaboration Magic
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Teamwork Triumphs
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Adaptive Advantage
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Storygami Unfolded 