Character
A kind man aspires to become a comic creator, but villains and evil deeds do not come easily to him, for he has little experience or natural inclination for them. Things take a surprise turn when he comes across a family who were described as idealized that are no more. He uses the real-life situation for his work.
The film earned $12.6M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Character (2021) exemplifies deliberately positioned dramatic framework, characteristic of Akira Nagai's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 5 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Keigo Yamashiro, a struggling manga artist, lives in poverty and obscurity, unable to break into the competitive industry despite his talent.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Keigo encounters the mysterious and disturbing Yuuki Shiraishi, a criminal who becomes obsessed with Keigo and begins to insert himself into his life.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 31 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Keigo makes the conscious decision to continue engaging with Shiraishi and exploit their twisted relationship for his art, crossing an ethical boundary., moving from reaction to action.
The Collapse moment at 94 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, A major crime occurs or someone close to Keigo is harmed/killed, directly connected to Shiraishi. Keigo confronts the devastating cost of his ambition and his role in enabling a monster., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 101 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The final confrontation between Keigo and Shiraishi unfolds. The psychological battle reaches its climax as both characters' true natures are revealed and the cost of artistic ambition is fully paid., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Character's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Character against these established plot points, we can identify how Akira Nagai utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Character within the crime genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional crime films include The Bad Guys, Batman Forever and 12 Rounds.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Keigo Yamashiro, a struggling manga artist, lives in poverty and obscurity, unable to break into the competitive industry despite his talent.
Theme
An editor or colleague remarks on the cost of success and what one must sacrifice to achieve greatness, foreshadowing the film's exploration of ambition and moral compromise.
Worldbuilding
Keigo's daily struggles are established: his poverty, his relationship with his mother, his artistic ambitions, and the cutthroat nature of the manga industry.
Disruption
Keigo encounters the mysterious and disturbing Yuuki Shiraishi, a criminal who becomes obsessed with Keigo and begins to insert himself into his life.
Resistance
Keigo resists Shiraishi's presence and influence, but finds himself increasingly drawn to using their disturbing encounters as material for his manga. He debates whether to embrace this dark inspiration.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Keigo makes the conscious decision to continue engaging with Shiraishi and exploit their twisted relationship for his art, crossing an ethical boundary.
Mirror World
Keigo's relationship with his editor or a potential romantic interest develops, representing the normal life and moral path he could choose instead of his dark collaboration with Shiraishi.
Premise
Keigo's manga gains traction and success as he mines his encounters with Shiraishi for material. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between artist and criminal intensifies, each using the other.
Opposition
Shiraishi's behavior becomes more erratic and violent. Police investigation closes in. Keigo realizes he may be complicit in Shiraishi's crimes and struggles with guilt and fear as his success turns hollow.
Collapse
A major crime occurs or someone close to Keigo is harmed/killed, directly connected to Shiraishi. Keigo confronts the devastating cost of his ambition and his role in enabling a monster.
Crisis
Keigo is consumed by guilt and horror at what he's enabled. He must confront the darkness within himself and decide whether to take responsibility or continue hiding behind his art.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The final confrontation between Keigo and Shiraishi unfolds. The psychological battle reaches its climax as both characters' true natures are revealed and the cost of artistic ambition is fully paid.
Transformation
Keigo is left transformed by the experience, whether broken by guilt, imprisoned for complicity, or having gained a dark understanding of the price of success. His final state mirrors his opening but shows how far he's fallen or grown.