redemption arc

redemption arc (plural redemption arcs)

1. (literature) A story arc wherein an immoral character redeems themselves and makes right for their wrongdoings (or wherein readers perceive them as having done so).

   Synonym: redemptive arc

2. (by extension) A series of actions or events by which a person makes right for their past failures, errors, or wrongdoings.

   Synonym: redemptive arc

   • 2022 June 2, Julia Jacobs, “Johnny Depp’s Win in Court Could Embolden Others, Lawyers Say”, in The New York Times‎:

     But Mr. Depp’s victory — which a lawyer for Ms. Heard said she would appeal — may seem attractive to accused litigants who are desperately seeking a similar redemption arc, said Andrew Miltenberg, a lawyer whose firm regularly defends people accused of sexual misconduct.

   • 2023 February 24, Jonathan Liew, “Loris Karius knows only too well how one game can change a career”, in The Guardian‎:

     Nobody really knows how Karius will fare on Sunday. He has not played a senior professional game for two years. Nobody knows where his head is at, what battle scars still remain, how he will fare in the cauldron of a cup final with Marcus Rashford bearing down on his goal. The redemption arc is a seductive narrative, and many neutrals will wish him well.

• intercompared