A good story thrives on conflict. But a conflict between good and evil is kind of humdrum. Yes, it has the excitement of the clash, but that’s it. Nothing soul-stirring as such.Conflict gets that soul-stirring quality when it culminates in something unexpected, like the feuding parties suddenly coming together and fighting on the same side. There is a certain kind of satisfaction in seeing two opposing forces shaking hands. And that’s why quotes like “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship” become iconic. It just feels pretty damn good.We have seen this shift happening many times before; take your war sagas, superhero stories, sports movies, and even romances, but it never loses its luster. That’s because these shifts hold a muted message: enemies are sometimes nothing more than mirrors waiting to be understood.We always lean into these happy mergers, so let’s now lean into understanding how this fun trope works.What the “Rival-Becomes-Ally” Trope MeansDefinitionThe “rival-becomes-ally” trope is a plot device that functions on the narrative shift of two belligerent characters who start in open conflict with each other but eventually join hands. Their motives can be anything from fighting a common enemy or escaping a dangerous situation, to sometimes just realizing the futility of their feud. This shift from hostility to cooperation (if not out-and-out friendship) changes the direction and energy of their story, which also adds new perspectives and possibilities for tension and character growth.The Origins of the TropeAlthough not in its current evolved form, the...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Today