Character Beyond Plot

Characters are not decoration for a plot. They are its point of origin. Their specific role within a narrative shapes the perspective on the action and propels it forward. In linear storytelling, this is taken for granted — in non-linear formats, it becomes an open question.

What happens when the order of encounters is not fixed? When it is unclear from which side listeners will first encounter a character? How can characters become familiar to listeners under these conditions?

Watching a documentary on Martin Scorsese makes one thing clear: many great narratives do not emerge from plot alone, but from a person. World, dramaturgy, and supporting characters follow the character — not the other way around.

And understanding such characters takes time. Non-linear formats therefore require different strategies of character formation. Some of these will be outlined in the next posts …