Secondary Characters

In both movies and literature, there are certain characters whom have always meant more to me than the typical protagonists. Often, these are secondary characters, and not the lead role guys. But more specifically, it's those "transitional" roles that speak to me. I'm talking about those angst-stricken n'er do-wells that, because of the turmoil they cause, we fortunately get to observe from afar.

I love the role of Robert the Bruce in Braveheart, and think he is one of the men that defines this idea the best. I understand he was a real man with real conquests, but I'll approach this based on his cinematic portrayal. He's a spoiled rich kid, who is heir to the throne of Scotland, all because of the generations of sires before him have played it safe and not "charged in." He is destined for something more and longs to pursue something of significance more. Not a noble title on royal documents, but rather something that can't be taken from him...something that only he can obtain. In his case, it is climbing out of his scheming father's shadow, and following his heart, and fighting for his beliefs that ultimately redeems him (and frees all the Scottish people from tyranical authoritarianism). He makes a life-changing decision, and sacrifices all the security he has ever known.

In a similar mold is Theoden, King of Rohan in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Although he is already king, he is ashamed of himself for NOT leading with confidence and boldness, and doesn't measure up to his brave forefathers. He is drowning in apathy, but is intended for so much more. And he is closer to realizing his destiny than he knows. Through the example of the heroic Aragorn, he learns the true test of a man is not winning the battle, but rather, the true battle is in overcoming his fear and taking that first stand to fight. When facing impossible odds, he leads his men into the battle of "the end of days" and does not survive. Yet his transition from lackluster to leader is complete as he breathes his last and claims he will now not be ashamed in the company of his fathers.

And finally, the literary character with the most inspirational transformation must be Sydney Carton in A Tale of Two Cities. A drunk. An underachiever. Yet before his doom, he trades places with aristocrat Charles Darnay, to save him from execution in the wake of the French Revolution. "It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done,"...and he gives up himself and redeems his wasted life.

I think we all wish for a life of significance and purpose and I believe that is why these characters mean a lot to me. They are all meant for something unbelievably great, yet can not see it. They have lived their lives on their own personal treadmill, just as we have, until inspiration takes them, and changes their sights. Their perspective of their own purpose changes and they are set into motion.

Oh how much I would love to turn my own potential energy into kinetic energy. The Bible says I am the son of a King. Why do I not live like it?