Confidant

Definition

A confidant is a character in a narrative, often a friend or trusted advisor, to whom the protagonist reveals their thoughts, feelings, and secrets. This relationship plays a significant role in character development, as it allows the audience to gain insight into the main character's internal struggles and motivations, and it can also influence the protagonist's decisions and growth throughout the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Confidants often serve as a sounding board for the protagonist, helping them to clarify their thoughts and emotions.
2. The presence of a confidant can deepen the audience's understanding of the protagonist's conflicts and desires, creating a more layered narrative.
3. In many scripts, confidants can also provide comic relief or contrasting perspectives that enrich the story's themes.
4. The dynamics between the protagonist and their confidant can change over time, reflecting growth or regression in both characters.
5. Some notable examples of confidants in acclaimed scripts include Samwise Gamgee from 'The Lord of the Rings' and Dr. Watson from 'Sherlock Holmes'.

Review Questions

• How does a confidant contribute to the development of the protagonist in a screenplay?
  • A confidant contributes to the protagonist's development by providing a safe space for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Through conversations with the confidant, the audience gains insights into the protagonist's inner conflicts and motivations. This relationship often acts as a catalyst for change, allowing the protagonist to reflect on their choices and evolve as they navigate their challenges.
• Discuss how the relationship between a protagonist and their confidant can illustrate themes in a screenplay.
  • The relationship between a protagonist and their confidant can effectively illustrate themes such as trust, loyalty, and personal growth. For instance, when a confidant challenges the protagonist's beliefs or decisions, it can highlight themes of self-discovery or moral dilemmas. Additionally, the evolution of their relationship over time can mirror broader thematic arcs within the narrative, such as redemption or transformation.
• Evaluate how different portrayals of confidants impact audience engagement in acclaimed screenplays.
  • Different portrayals of confidants can significantly impact audience engagement by shaping how viewers relate to the protagonist. A well-developed confidant adds depth to the narrative, creating emotional investment as audiences connect with both characters' journeys. Conversely, if a confidant is underdeveloped or stereotypical, it may disengage viewers and diminish the complexity of the story. Ultimately, how these relationships are crafted influences not only character arcs but also overall narrative resonance.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character in a story, around whom the plot revolves and who typically faces challenges that drive their development.

Foil: A character who contrasts with another character, usually the protagonist, to highlight particular qualities or traits of that character.

Subtext:

The underlying meaning or theme that is not directly stated in dialogue but can be inferred through context and character interactions.