We Are Redeemer

My favorite form of redemption arc is “I hate that I have morals now”

Like “I realized that I was in the wrong and now I will work hard to atone” is good and all, but “how dare you infect me with morals” will always be so much more entertaining

This one gets it

And like when they say “I’m only helping you because of [selfish reason that’s not truly the reason]”

“I assure you, my motives are completely selfish” they yell at the group as they fling themself between a giant fuck off monster and an unconscious guy they don’t even like

“Only I get to kill you! That’s it! That’s the only reason! I’m healing you and tending to your wounds because I HATE YOU!” 

#your stupid revhead car film with scenes between women talking about themselves  #where one of those is an old woman  #who’s not necessarily blandly sweet nurturing  #and not necessarily wickedly crone-like  #but is a completely valid combination of both  #yes I am a loving and nurturing figure  #yes I also am a horrifying murderous crone  #behold they are come together in one person  #as is the way with most people  #wandering in search of our Better Selves

i feel like so many people misunderstand redemption arcs. they’re not about forgiving past actions. they’re not about softening previous behavior. redemption arcs are about realizing past behavior was heinous and resolving to be better, do better. that’s why so many redemption arcs fall apart upon close scrutiny.

redemption arcs do not rely on forgiveness! if a character is behaving a certain way just to be forgiven, that is not a good redemption arc! redemption arcs rely on people realizing their own behavior was bad and that they need to own up to the consequences. and those consequences can often include a lack of forgiveness!

A redemption arc without consequences is a story without justice.

Look I know it’s 3edgy but the line in critical role where Percy says “I don’t want to die as who I am. I’d like to live long enough to be someone else.” hit me so hard like hot damn.