The Fugitive ARC

The Fugitive ARC is where the PROT lives inside a system, and may even be the paragon of said system, but then sees “something” that makes them question their faith and sends them on a journey of doubt. That “something” is usually PROT witnessing a rule being broken (tacit or explicit rule). In a muted drama, it could be a priest, rookie, or anyone really at an institution that bought in completely – maybe from a young age, someone with aspirations. In a thriller, it’s someone caught in a “wrong place, wrong time” situation and sees a hint of how corrupt the system is. PROT is usually someone who just wants to stay “head down”, follow the rules, and get the reward promised to them by the system.

After the illusion is broken, in a thriller, the PROT will “follow the money”, see “how high it goes”, uncover the “web of lies”, and think “everyone’s out to get them”. In a drama, PROT might have difficult and uncomfortable conversations with their closest and loved ones, might stray from the system, but contrasted with the Justice ARC, they ultimately go back to the system. The system is not perfect, what triggered the doubt was a system outlier/aberration/criminal. The status quo doesn’t change. Or PROT learns to live with the flaws of the system.

The Fugitive ARC is a POSITIVE ARC when the story is about a restoration of faith, provided the system reflects society’s values. If PROT sees the system as corrupt (again, provided it reflects what the audience believes is wrong in society) and walks away, it is still a POSITIVE ARC.

The Emotional Arc

alt. CMX: PROT walks away, commits suicide (literally or figuratively), or sacrifices their entire life.

The Stakes

The Triangle(s)

Media

Film & TV

Novels & Literature

Short Stories

Comic Runs/Arcs

All ARCs here