In the realm of narrative structure and character development, there are always new terms to learn. One I just came across is called "Aesop's Amnesia," and when I learned about it, I realized it has become increasingly prevalent in contemporary screenwriting. Today, we're going to define the term, look at examples, and talk about how writers can use it or avoid it, depending on their project. Let's... where were we? Oh, yeah. Let's jump in. Aesop's Amnesia DefinitionAesop Amnesia is a trope in screenwriting where a character learns a valuable lesson in one episode or scene but seemingly forgets it in subsequent appearances. It's often seen as a negative trope, because it can undermine character development and create narrative inconsistencies.Aesop's Amnesia ExampleFor example, a character might learn the importance of standing up for themselves in one episode, only to revert to being passive and submissive in the next. This can be frustrating for viewers who expect characters to grow and evolve over time.With some shows, we want to see people grow. But that's not always the case. Or, in a serialized sitcom, someone like Homer Simpson may be the perfect character because the audience can always rely on him to have a homeostasis point from which the writers can deliver any lesson or story.A Writer's Perspective On The IdeaWhat's the big idea with this term for your screenplay? Well, if you write TV, you can to see your characters develop over time. And like to think that as seasons go...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Thursday, 25 July, 2024