Sorry guys about the ambient music at 11:11-11:30. Sony claimed the video, and this was my only recourse without a lengthy dispute process I would probably lose. I am so so tired of this. They have also claimed 12 other videos, and this is the only one I have been able to release so far. I don't know how much these claims will hit me financially, but if you would like to support please consider throwing in a couple of dollars on Patreon to help me continue making this kind of educational content >>> www.patreon.com/hellofutureme or consider buying my book >>> www.amazon.com/Writing-Worldbuilding-I-Timothy-Hickson-ebook/dp/B07PNKHDFZ

I love when Zuko's arc comes full circle. Asking Iroh's forgiveness. That part made me cry: "I was never angry with you. I was sad because you had lost your way."

I like to think Zuko got treated well in the Earth Kingdom because of his burned face that he got attacked by a fire bender soldier.

“Anakin arguably only cares when his actions hurt someone that he cares about” That’s arguably his most prominent character trait all the way back to Clone Wars

"Are you challenging me to a Zuko-free vid on redemption arcs?" "Yes! I challenge you!" "No thanks."

Patron: Dont mention Zuko Hello future me: No, I dont think I will

*Challenge:* Redemption Arc without mentioning Zuko *Tim:* _CHALLENGE __-ACCEPTED-__ NOT ACCEPTED_

I'd like to talk about Iroh as a reversal of this trope. He has already completed his redemption arch and his "change", but we only learn this further in. Iroh shows how redemption affects you long term, how it is a continuous choice. About reconciliation and accountability. It mirrors Zuko's arch beautifully. Zuko is just starting his path of redemption, while Iroh has already completed it and shows what Zuko's future could look like. At the same time, Zuko is part of Iroh's reconciliation, his way of trying to do good and to give back. To make up for the mistakes of his past, specifically the son he could not save. This gives both characters more weight and Zuko's arch more impact. It also recontextualizes what we knew about Iroh. It makes the silly old man and all his seemingly whimsical actions much more important, because the viewer comes to see them as a deliberate choice, a rejection of his past self. I feel like this is not as often explored as the journey of change, how redemption affects your life long term, that it requires commitment and lifelong dedication. Pairing these two characters, who are at different points of the same path, is beautifully done.

Zuko's story arch symmetry: going from trying to capture the Avatar to please his father to helping the Avatar defeat his father. Going from boasting in his nobility to wondering if he's worthy with all of the mistakes he's made; going from trampling over others to get what he wants to putting others' needs before his own. Ultimately, he didn't need to die in order to complete his story arch, but rather he needed to live to redeem his nation.

WHY AM I SO BAD AT BEING GOOD?!

Me: We haven't seen *A WIZARD DID IT* in a while Tim:

Can you do the opposite in the next video? On writing: Decline to Villainy. Examples: walter white, light (death note), louis (nightcrawler), 2 face (the dark knight), robert and alfred (the prestige), etc.

“The failed redemption arc is often unsatisfying” *cough* Jaime Lannister *cough*

Zuko+redemption+Hello Future me: instant click

Patron: don't feature Zuko in the redemption arc video. Tim: No. Patron: *That wasn't very cash money of you*

"Talk about redemption arcs but you must exclude one of the best and most interesting examples ever written" Why though?

One thing about Vader’s sacrifice that I always loved was the idea that his motivation in the prequels is to stop people from dying, going to serving under Palpatine who was obsessed with not dying, to finally keeping someone from dying, just by paying the ultimate price

13:38 "undoing character development simply for the sake of subverting your reader's expectations isn't satisfying writting" ..... As any GOT fan knows 😅🤣

Mentioning Zuko while talking about redemption is exactly as it should be.

14:25 This is what I feel happens with Iroh’s redemption arc in Avatar the Last Airbender. Iroh’s failure that begins him on his path of redemption is the loss of his son. The culmination of his redemption is when Iroh saves Zuko from being another victim of the Fire Nation philosophy, like his own son was.

'failure of your characters redemption arc purely to subvert readers expectations is unsatisfying' *cough*jamielannister*cough*

Random appreciation comment time... Let's go!!! I do not write. Like at all. Creative writing is my best mark in English pretty consistently, but I've never taken to it as a hobby. However, in the same way understanding music composition techniques has developed my love of music, your On Writing series has taken my appreciation of novels to another level. You haven't brought colour into my reading, you've given me eyes to see it with. The way you analyse and explain is so entertaining by itself that I would watch your videos even if they were about the culinary arts. To top all of this off, you are one of the most likeable personalities on this platform, and your nerdiness is simply inspirational. Long story short, you're awesome❤️

If there's two things I've learned from Tim, it's that *A WIZARD DID IT* and *EVERYTHING IS COMPLICATED*

When you said that having a character fail in their redemption just for the sake of subverting expectations isn't satisfying, I immediately thought of Jaime.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that almost every character I can recall fits into this model... In ATLA alone, all the main characters, not just Zuko and Aang, are trying to redeem themselves in one way or the other and (loosely) fit the redemption arc. Examples: *Katara* Stakes: she wants justice/closure for the presumed death of her mother View of self: as the last remaining waterbender in her tribe, she is lonely, angry, and without hope. She thinks she is too weak at waterbending to protect anyone or to seek out her mother. View of world: cruel for taking her family from her. Resents her father for leaving. Her view of herself changes by the end of book 1 as she has proven herself to be the (2nd) best waterbender in the north and capable of protecting her friends. Her view of the world doesnt change much but she confronts her mother's kidnapper in book 3 with her Zuko sidetrip and somewhat gets closure on that; hence, her redemption arc comes to a close. *Sokka* Stakes: wants to fulfill his duty in protecting his family/friends/tribe. View of self: early on, he is bullheaded and rushes into fights. Later, as a non-bender, he realizes he cannot always fight enemies directly. View of world: kind of simplistic? Fire nation = bad. Benders = OP. Someone with more insight can reply on this... Sokka's view of himself changes in book 1 when he meets Suki and her Kyoshi warriors. He realizes he has much to learn when it comes to fighting. He is humbled and more receptive to personal change. Over the series, his worldview on benders and his own limitations is confirmed, which forces him to be more of a tactician than outright fighter, best showcased by his training under his sword-master (can't remember his name). Even in the finale, the group follows his battle plan, and we even see Sokka briefly going toe-to-toe with amped up firebenders, defeating them through his wit. Sokka's redemption is in overcoming his limitations as a non-bender and still contributing to the save-the-day effort. *Toph* Stakes: wants to be seen as independent and self-reliant but is also lonely and wants companionship. View of self: doesn't need friends and hates to rely on people View of world: the world sees her as weak and helpless because she is blind. Believes people help her out of pity, not friendship. Toph's self-view changes at first when she and Katara have their sidetrips in Ba Sing Se, and also when she meets Iroh on her solo venture. She realizes that conforming at times doesn't rob her of identity, that friendship has value, and accepting help doesn't make her weak. She redeems herself when she and Katara team up during their prison break. Other examples abound: Admiral Zhao can be seen as a failed redemption (more like aborted maybe)... Mai redeems herself when she betrays Azula for Zuko. Hell even Iroh can be seen trying to make up for the Ba Sing Se siege when he retakes the city from the fire nation. Damn I wrote more than I meant to, but please lmk what you think. Is every character, in a way, seeking redemption? Do their changes in world/self-view mirror the lies they tell themselves?

i challenge you to do a video about death of the author without mentioning jk rowling

So, is this the point where we just say the first Avatar Series is a masterpiece of writing?

I think the main point about Darth Vadar was proving that there was still good in him. It's not about a full redemption, just that there was at least enough good in him to care about 1 (or 2) people greater than he cares about himself. Also, all this talk of redemption and no mention of Xena: Warrior Princess?

“A Wizard Did It!” (Music beat with Gandalf laughing) You won’t let go of that gag, will you?

What about a "corruption arc" in which the good/bad aspect is inverted? Can that be a compelling story? e.g. the fall of Anakin

"Undoing character development simply for the sake of subverting your reader's (watcher's) expectations isn't satisfying writing." Someone tell that to D&D.

Jacksfilms the movie 😂 I'm dead XD great vid as always man

I love that opening. Zuko forever!

I’m just hoping I can eventually write a book good enough for you to talk about

Jaime's redemption src is great *if we don't count season 8* i'm looking forward to seeing it in the books

13:35 YES. ALL OF MY *YES*. "Subverting expectations" is not inherently good writing.

I don't write but I'm incredibly interested in these types of videos you've been making lately, kudos

I'd change "stakes" to "goals" personally, but that nitpick aside this is a really great video that gave me real insights into how I'd write an arc like this

CHALLENGE REJECTED is the most manly sounding cop-out

Hello Future Me: Don’t fail redemption arcs just to subvert expectations Pretty Much Everyone: JaImE LaNNiSteR!?!*!

I freaking live Redemption Arcs in stories!!! And by far my most favorite in all of Literature and Fiction is (unsurprisingly) Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender. It truly is such an amazing and compelling Redemption Arc that has honestly stayed with me for years. And in general it is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. This video explained perfectly why it's so amazing, too!!! :)

Reverse Challenge: Discuss DEdemption arcs (I.E. Fallen Hero type deals) exclusively through the lens of Zuko.

Although Zuko and Jaime's redemption arcs are my faves, I am so glad to see Regina from OUAT included. I have forgotten how glorious her arc has been.

Needs vs wants In beauty and the beast the beast "WANTS" bell to fall in love with him but he learns that he "NEEDS" earn her love Zuko "WANTS" his "honor" back and his fathers respect but learns that he "NEEDS" to let go of his past and follow his own destiny

Hey I would love if you did an on writing: rivalries video. Thanks man

Your book is currently very high on my wish list for birthday gifts

I love the redemption Zuko has. He really sees no other option than to make his father proud… or he’s a failure and a disgrace. But he finally realises that he has choices and sees how horrible and abusive his father was. He realises that his nation has been harming others and that he wants love, a thing his father could never give him but Iroh could.

I was just talking to my mom about this series and why I love it so much, and when I got to talking about the character arcs of Zuko and Azula, my favorite part of the show, I literally choked up out of nowhere. I was describing Zuko's betrayal of Iroh and how he ultimately redeemed himself in the end and before I knew it I was literally crying. I basically never cry, but I feel such a deep connection with this series and these characters.

i'm 27 seconds in, and it's already amazing. love Zuko.

Could you maybe make a video about lovestorys? I think that would be something that's missing till now and it's actually a part of storys i still have problems with.

Redemptive villain arcs are great. And my absolute favourite cliché is when an old villain is needed to help take down a newer one. Negan and Megatron are the first to come to mind.

"A WIZARD DID IT" has basically become a meme on this channel

no one: HFM: *A WIZARD DID IT*

I think Vader did grasp the enormity of what he did, and why his path is wrong- it just didn't happen in Return of the Jedi. In Empire Strikes Back, Vader's goal is to turn Luke to his side. When Luke, even after being in a position of hopelessness and knowing the truth, chooses death rather than join his father, Vader realizes two things: firstly, he always had the choice of whether or not to turn. Secondly, he sees himself for the first time as others do: as a monster. Vader always believed that he was doing what he did for his loved ones. To see his son reject him so completely (moreso than Padme did) caused him to realize who he really was. To illustrate this, Vader makes a quite subtle but quite important choice. He probably chokes about five officers in Empire Strikes Back; that movie basically codified the force choke as something Vader does. And yet, during the denouement as the Falcon escapes, Vader does not choke Piett, he just walks from the room in silence. And we never see him choke someone again. Vader in Return of the Jedi isn't a hero; the Emperor is all he has left, and I believe his goal in that movie is for Luke to kill him and join the Dark Side. Vader sees it as sacrificing himself for his son, as he still believes the Dark Side to be destined to win. But he starts ROTJ in a different and undoubtedly better place than he starts the other two films in the OT.

If you think Vader's turn is sudden, I really, really think you need to re-watch the movies (like a dozen more times). His feelings towards his son move him way back in Empire. BEFORE we even know he's Luke's father. I love this video and most of your videos are phenomenal (I'm going to buy your book as soon as I return to the States), but I really think you missed the mark with Vader. I get that you're point is that his "redemption" just strikes you as showing little more than a changing locus of selfishness, but in a story that is about the Emperor's (and the Empire's) hubris failing him while Luke's nobility and self-sacrifice redeems the galaxy... the Vader arc is thematically vital, shadowing the failure of the Emperor and the success of Luke in how he turns. (These themes are themselves shadowed in the battle on the ground and the battle in space and are why I seriously think there is no thematic ending more powerful than Return of the Jedi.) I really, really think you need to look again at Vader's redemption and place it within the greater arc of the story.

17:25 THANK YOU! For years I've been telling my friend's Vader's death doesn't mean he's returned to the Jedi and that he regrets all the pain he caused as Darth Vader. It just means he wanted to save Luke from dying.

I'll never forgave Kishimoto for telling us Sasuke went on a journey of redemption after the series without giving us anything to show for it.

Zuko’s redemption arc is great

2:55 - Redemption Arc Trifecta 4:26 - Three Strategies used to Change a Characters Self View & World View 6:57 - Zuko Trifecta 11:39 - Wins & Fails In Redemption Arc 12:34 - Fail Redemption Arc 13:54 - After Redemption (Symmetry)

One of my favorite redemption arcs is Ken from Digimon 02. That entire season was a mixed bag and pretty messy but Ken's arc was 10/10 amazing.

One of the best and most complex redemption arcs I've seen in along time is that of Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2. I mean redemption is literally in the title.

AGENTS OF SHIELD REFERENCE YAAAYYY!!!

Angel the TV show has really solid core themes about redemption. Kinda explores the idea that it's a journey without a finish line.

Love this whole video, through and through. Zuko is and will always be a top notch character, and I'm always so excited about and impressed by your thoughts on these sorts of things. Though I'd have to argue slightly against you in that for me Vader's redemption through death is kind of poetic and mirrors his initial fall since trying to prevent death is what turned him to the dark side in the first place. I never saw Palpatine's death as Vader's redemption, rather the the acceptance of his own death and his admission to his son that he and his sister were right all along was what showed that he understood how horribly he'd acted

Your On Writing series has seriously helped me so much. I started writing a novel years ago when I was still a teenager ... needless to say it has A LOT of issues. And I mean a lot. So many that I haven't touched it in years because sorting out this mess of a story seemed like an impossible task. It started out as a vague idea for a funny short story, then turned into a fantasy novel with no real plot outline that was supposed to be comedic but really just consisted of a crapton of badly written stereotypes, then it became a somewhat darker fantasy adventure story with serious tone problems and barely any internal, emotional story arcs in the first part (there will be a nice non-redemption arc in the second part though and yes, there have to be two parts) and now it's ... kind of a dramedy fantasy story with only a few fantasy elements that are used to create to create the main external conflict that deals with political themes, different ideologies, family, abuse and overcoming your upbringing and harmful relationship dynamics taught in early childhood. With serious tone problems. Or at least, that's what I want the story to be. Minus the tone problems. What I'm trying to say is, I've finally taken on the mammoth task of making this collection of badly used clichés, unbelievable villains and seemingly shallow characters (they're not, in my head they're not) an okay story. One that could actually be enjoyable to readers who don't have insight into my head and can't see how magnificent the characters and their stories truly are (not as magnificent as Mishka but I wouldn't want to create perfect characters anyway). I've finally started working on this story again because I really do love the characters and their world and I think they deserve better than the mess i created when I was a teenager and then abanadoned. I'm still at the planning and rewriting the plot outline and the scenes I already have stage and your series has helped me A LOT with it. I've fixed some of the major issues that have been preventing me from working on this for years (except for the tone problems) and I have some new ideas on how to give the characters more depth and put their struggles and character development into a context (and actually give them more character development). There's still a lot to work on, especially the tone problems (I dare you, take a shot every time I say tone problems. Tone problems, tone problems.) So yeah, thank you so much for this series, it's unbelievably helpful. I'm gonna keep watching (or at least listening while I try to tackle the other mammoth task that is my laundry) and taking notes and hopefully I'll be able to write a decent story with somewhat believable characters. Without any tone problems.

Next you should do "on writing romantic relationships" and include how it needs to appeal to the viewers in any way possible. Like hiccup and Astrid. Most people (including myself) could relate to the runty boy known as hiccup in httyd 1. Getting the girl of his dreams to recognize him was a daring feat that many of us can relate to. Now even though we can't show our crushes around on the back of a night fury in real life, I think you're the perfect person to elaborate on this type of topic. Perhaps I could even join u on this video. - Magicov

What i love about zuko's redemption arc is that it doesn't start when he loses to the mc aka the avatar.It starts at his most lowest point being a fugitive from the fire nation.The season one shows us the characteristics and personality of zuko being someone obsessed with regaining his honor but showing that he isn't what we think he is.He isn't a bad person on the contrary he is kind hearted so much so that he cares about his people like in the episode the storm in which he detest the idea of using their fire benders are disposable pawns because he thinks they are people.But back to my topic in the second book we see more of his kind heartedness come out all the while him adjusting to his new life.Seeing things at a new perspective but still caring about his honor.So much so that he betrays his uncle but still has the feeling of guilt.At first i thought him betraying his uncle is bad writing because it's like he didn't learn or improve his character but i was wrong when i watched book 3.Where we see him reacting to the fire nation and everything it has done.And him reflecting on his past actions and how he has did so many wrong.With that culminating in him finally facing his father with no fear whatsoever and him retaliating by returning his Father's lightning back at him as a sign that he has finally let go of his father's grasp.And letting go of his past

Great analysis! I don't fully agree about Darth Vader's redemption being a "bad" one, though. The great flaw of Anakin was his desire to control the fate of his loved ones in order to protect them, which means he unconsciously valued himself more than them. When in the end he sacrifices himself for Luke, that's the symmetry completing itself: love for another person is not controlling that person, it is valuing his/her well being more than our own. And Anakin dies proving that he learned the lesson.

I literally purchased your book 30 seconds into this vid. Can't wait to read it 😊

Sincerely, thank you for making your book and all your videos so easy to digest. You truly have a gift.

Man what would I do without these videos. I've always had a passion for creative writing, and these videos have done so much in the ways of nurturing that passion. They are informative and so engaging. I love this series.

You're consistently good, my dude. Thank you for more quality content.

Really great video, Tim!! I think another part of redemption arcs that are essential is asking “who’s to blame?” Better redemption arcs consist of the character fully owning up to their actions because they’re the ones wholly to blame, not some kind of manipulation or third party that influenced them. While there may be some kind of molding (I.e. the culture they grew up in, the people they spend time around), making the characters own their actions creates a compelling piece of writing. Active redemption is better than passive redemption.

Me: being early to a video Also me: *A WIZARD DID IT*

You're videos are so great. You are really good at explaining what you are talking about in each video. Because of this video I've decided that I would have a character with a redemption arck in my novel that I'm writing. And you're video helped me understand how to do this properly. Thanks a lot for that.

As an experiment, I've started a novel from scratch using a Redemption Arc map I've extrapolated from this video. So far, it looks like an exellent guide for creating a satisfying character-driven story. I am making similar maps from your other videos (and your book, which I ordered as soon as it was available :D). Thank you for doing the work to make these videos!

I really think that Gollum is the perfect example of a failed redemption arc. All throughout the three movies you see Gollum get better and better, until he finally lets Gollum go, and becomes Sméagol. In this, we see who he really was before the ring, until Frodo made a mistake, and he went to the forbidden pool and was hurt. Right until the almost very end of the third movie, when Shelob comes, we think he is coming back, and even until we reach mount doom. But then, the most chilling line. “But Sméagol promised!” says Frodo. “Sméagol lied,” Sméagol says. We think that Gollum is still making him do this, and then we learn that ever since the pool, it was Sméagol all along.

I'm a simple man. I see someone praising the Talos Principal, I question existence while playing Tetris.

Dude I LOVE the talos principle! I love your videos and I got ridiculously excited when you also mentioned one of my favorite games of all time.

Effing love the clip you use of Gandalf everytime you say wizard lmfao idk why it's so silly but it gets me everytime! Will be ordering your book at the end of this month, ALL HAIL MISHKA!

OMG. I just realised. We should just treat redemption arc characters like a drug addict. Someone who has been poisoned by poisonous behaviours, but, more often than not, doesn't realize what it is doing to them. Someone who, slowly, and over time, realizes that maybe drugs are bad, but repeatedly goes back to those behaviours because they are all they knew and think that its good for them. Even though it has poisoned their mind. And finally, *finally* after a long arc they realize that "no, this isn't right. This hurts me and people that care about me." That's certainly a good way to explain the redemption arc.

Me: Wanting to find Theon Greyjoy//Jaime Lannister Future me: ZUKOO (I love Zuko tho)

This has been SUPER helpful in me getting my head around the book I am working on. I chose a story that was a bit more complex than I initially thought and it has been a beast to create.

Love your vids man, you always give a great breakdown of how a good story could and should be told. Thanks for the inspiration.

Zuko is one of my favourite redemption story. It really got me by surprise when I was watching TLA. I mean, I knew Aang needed a fire mentor, but it never ocurred to me it would be Zuko. And when it happened, it was great.

The Gandalf laugh... Gets me every time.

you're one if the few KZfaqrs who helps me to learn and other things while simultaneously learning a little bit about myself

My paperback copy is ordered, can’t wait. The on writing series really helped me get through the forest of writing limbo of writing a first chapter and deleting it (I’m now plotting my story arcs, which I highly recommend as a first step now), and I’m currently on the second short story of my worlds collection. Thank you for the blessing you are, HFM

As someone who's been looking for my own redemption, this video was... really emotional to me. I know that's not really what you made the video for, but I just want to say... thanks. You're doing good.

I came here for a Templin collaboration. Subscribed and loved your channel so much, it helps me write!

Great content man. I am not a writer or anything but these types of videos make you understand writing and hence improve the experience when watching or reading something

Greetings from Germany, Tim. I just wanted to say thank you for all these great videos. It helped me a lot to improve my writing and I am definitely going to buy your book! Thanks a lot, Marc

On Anakin's arc, I feel like all the crucial decisions he made throughout the Star Wars movies were in the name of his family, so I'm not sure he ever saw those changes on a grand scale

I challenge you to make a “what makes a good spin off?” In which a new story follows the actions of a supporting character from the main story that takes place in parallel or after the main story. Examples: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern To Aru Index/Railgun Literally every fan fiction ever written

Your videos always require an extra amount of attention I don't usually give to videos however the content of your videos always makes it worth it.

Hi! I've been reading your book, not done yet, but it's already helping me work out some of the kinks in the novel I've been working on--and the larger series it's supposed to begin. Thank you for making this video series and for writing it all down!

"Undoing character development simply for the sake of subverting your reader's expectations isn't satisfying writing." *Looks at Jaime Lannister* …Are you a prophet, sir?

You mentioned Artemis (Favourite book series since I was 12), I feel like nobody does. Instant subscriber!

Just ordered a paper back of your book! I'm so excited to get it, your videos have been a godsend :D Please keep up the amazing work!

I have been looking for information on this exact topic for so long! Wonderful analysis!!