Daredevil
Fate deals young orphan Matt Murdock a strange hand when he is doused with hazardous waste. The accident leaves Matt blind but also gives him a heightened "radar sense" that allows him to "see" far better than any man. Years later Murdock has grown into a man and becomes a respected criminal attorney. But after he's done his "day job" Matt takes on a secret identity as "The Man Without Fear," Daredevil, the masked avenger that patrols the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen and New York City to combat the injustice that he cannot tackle in the courtroom.
Despite a considerable budget of $78.0M, Daredevil became a commercial success, earning $179.2M worldwide—a 130% return.
5 wins & 17 nominations
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%)
Daredevil (2003) exhibits strategically placed narrative architecture, characteristic of Mark Steven Johnson's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 43 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.5, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Wounded Matt Murdock sits atop a church, bleeding and broken, establishing his life as a vigilante before we learn how he got here.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Matt meets Elektra Natchios at a coffee shop, sparking an unexpected connection that will challenge his isolated existence.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Matt chooses to reveal his identity to Elektra, opening himself emotionally and entering a relationship that makes him vulnerable., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Bullseye kills Elektra's father and frames Daredevil. False defeat: Matt loses Elektra's trust, and the stakes escalate as Fisk's plan turns Elektra against him., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Bullseye kills Elektra in battle. Matt fails to save her - the whiff of death as the woman who represented hope for a different life dies in his arms., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 82 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Reporter Ben Urich reveals Fisk's identity as the Kingpin. Matt synthesizes his legal knowledge and vigilante skills with new resolve - he will end Fisk using both the law and his fists., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Daredevil's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Daredevil against these established plot points, we can identify how Mark Steven Johnson utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Daredevil within the action genre.
Mark Steven Johnson's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Mark Steven Johnson films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Daredevil represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Mark Steven Johnson filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Mark Steven Johnson analyses, see Ghost Rider, Simon Birch and When in Rome.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Wounded Matt Murdock sits atop a church, bleeding and broken, establishing his life as a vigilante before we learn how he got here.
Theme
Young Matt's father tells him "You're gonna do somethin' with your life. You're gonna be somebody" - establishing the theme of identity and purpose beyond violence.
Worldbuilding
Flashback establishes Matt's origin: toxic accident gives him heightened senses, his father's murder by the mob, and his training to become both a lawyer and vigilante in Hell's Kitchen.
Disruption
Matt meets Elektra Natchios at a coffee shop, sparking an unexpected connection that will challenge his isolated existence.
Resistance
Matt pursues Elektra while investigating Wilson Fisk's criminal empire. He debates opening himself to connection versus maintaining his solitary mission. Elektra's father is revealed to be connected to Fisk.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Matt chooses to reveal his identity to Elektra, opening himself emotionally and entering a relationship that makes him vulnerable.
Mirror World
Elektra and Matt's relationship deepens, representing the life of connection and normalcy Matt has denied himself - she mirrors what he could become if he let go of vengeance.
Premise
Daredevil battles crime while balancing his relationship with Elektra. Fisk hires assassin Bullseye to eliminate threats. The promise of the premise: watching the blind vigilante use his powers against criminals.
Midpoint
Bullseye kills Elektra's father and frames Daredevil. False defeat: Matt loses Elektra's trust, and the stakes escalate as Fisk's plan turns Elektra against him.
Opposition
Elektra seeks revenge on Daredevil. Matt tries to clear his name while Bullseye hunts him. Fisk's power grows. Matt's dual life collapses as both identities are threatened.
Collapse
Bullseye kills Elektra in battle. Matt fails to save her - the whiff of death as the woman who represented hope for a different life dies in his arms.
Crisis
Matt retreats to the church where the film began, processing his grief and failure. Dark night of the soul as he questions whether his crusade causes more harm than good.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Reporter Ben Urich reveals Fisk's identity as the Kingpin. Matt synthesizes his legal knowledge and vigilante skills with new resolve - he will end Fisk using both the law and his fists.
Synthesis
Final confrontation: Daredevil defeats Bullseye, then battles Fisk. He chooses not to kill Fisk, instead letting the law handle him - synthesizing justice with mercy, becoming a true hero rather than vengeance-seeker.
Transformation
Matt sits peacefully in his apartment as rain falls, at peace with his mission. He has transformed from isolated vengeance-seeker to guardian of justice who can balance both identities.