Powerful Redemption Arcs: How Stories Give Characters—and Us—a Second Chance
We love rewatching character transformations!
As viewers, we love a great redemption arc for a character. It’s extremely satisfying to be introduced to a character that we find ourselves rooting for and learning from. Redemptive character arcs are not only satisfying in the moment, but they make a rewatch more fun or interesting because we can watch the redemption arc with fresh eyes. As the character makes decisions, we can maybe judge their actions differently. Redemptive character arcs make rewatches feel new and refreshing.
We put together a list of some of our favorite redemptive arcs. We’d love to hear yours in the comments!
Severus Snape, Harry Potter series
Severus Snape’s redemption arc in the Harry Potter series is one of the most morally gray and emotionally complex in modern fiction. Introduced as a bitter, antagonistic professor, Snape is seemingly loyal to Voldemort and cruel to students, especially Harry which seems arbitrary. However, it’s revealed that beneath his cold exterior lies a man driven by grief, guilt, and a deep love for Lily Potter, Harry’s mother. After her death—an event partially triggered by his own actions—Snape defects from the Death Eaters and becomes a double agent, risking everything to protect Harry and undermine Voldemort from within. His redemption isn’t rooted in kindness or transformation, but in a lifelong, painful act of penance. Though he remains harsh and flawed, Snape ultimately dies a hero, his true loyalties and sacrifices only recognized too late—making his redemption tragic, haunting, and deeply human. Rewatching or rereading the series is even more satisfying as Snape’s actions throughout can be seen with fresh eyes when you know the end.
Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker, Star Wars franchise
Anakin Skywalker’s redemption arc is one of the most iconic in cinematic history. Once a gifted Jedi destined to bring balance to the Force, Anakin is seduced by fear, anger, and the promise of power, ultimately becoming Darth Vader–both a literal and symbolic figure of oppression and darkness. Yet beneath the mask and monstrous deeds, he still is the man he once was. His love for his son, Luke Skywalker, becomes the spark of his redemption, which is interesting for viewers as they learn this in the middle of the saga. In Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, faced with the Emperor torturing Luke, Anakin finally chooses compassion over power, sacrificing himself to destroy the Sith and save his son. In that moment, he reclaims his identity as Anakin, fulfilling the prophecy not by domination, but by love and selflessness. Fans learned about Anakin’s beginnings decades later with the release of Episodes 1-3, giving a whole new perspective on the villain they knew.
Alexis and David Rose, Schitt’s Creek
Alexis and David Rose’s redemptive arcs in Schitt’s Creek are heartwarming evolutions from self-absorbed socialites to emotionally intelligent, empathetic individuals. When the series begins, both siblings are entitled and shallow, products of extreme privilege and detachment. Alexis, once defined by jet-setting and toxic relationships, gradually discovers her independence, compassion, and professional drive—earning a degree, starting her own PR business, and learning to value real connection over status. David, initially dramatic and guarded, blossoms through his relationship with Patrick and the experience of building something of his own with the Rose Apothecary. Over time, he opens up emotionally, learns to trust, and embraces a life rooted in authenticity rather than appearance. Their redemption is subtle but powerful—choosing growth, community, and vulnerability over vanity and escape. The most satisfying elements of their respective redemption arcs is that neither of them sacrifices their core personality to become more empathetic people. The Alexis and David we meet in the pilot episode still make us laugh at the very end.
Jaime Lannister, Game of Thrones
Jaime Lannister’s redemption arc in Game of Thrones is a study in moral complexity and the struggle between legacy and identity. It’s also contested as a true redemption arc, which makes it all the more interesting. Introduced as the arrogant “Kingslayer” who pushed a child out of a window, Jaime is initially despised for his dishonor and incestuous relationship with his sister, Cersei. But as the series unfolds, especially through his time with Brienne of Tarth, layers of his character are peeled back—revealing a man torn by guilt, duty, and a desire to be seen as more than his worst deed. He shows courage, loyalty, and vulnerability, even sacrificing comfort and pride to fight for the living against the White Walkers. Though his arc takes a tragic turn as he ultimately returns to Cersei, his journey reflects the messiness of redemption—not always a straight line, but still marked by real transformation, regret, and fleeting nobility.
Rebecca Bunch, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
The title alone suggests a tongue-in-cheek assessment: “crazy” isn’t a nice term for a woman who maybe makes choices that aren’t sound. And it’s definitely not a correct way to describe someone with mental illness. Creator Rachel Bloom made a point of playing with the idea of “crazy” and how we attribute the word to women when it comes to dating, but also used the series to deeply explore mental illness. Rebecca Bunch’s redemption arc in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a nuanced, deeply personal journey of self-awareness, accountability, and healing. Initially driven by romantic obsession and impulsive decisions—like uprooting her life to chase an ex—Rebecca's actions are often fueled by untreated mental illness and a desperate need for validation. Over the course of the series, she confronts the harm she’s caused to herself and others, receives a diagnosis (BPD), and begins the hard work of therapy, growth, and making amends. Her redemption isn't about being “fixed” or winning back a boyfriend or friend, but about learning to understand herself, take responsibility, and pursue a life rooted in authenticity and self-love. By the end, she finds peace not in a romantic partner, but in her own voice—literally and metaphorically—marking a refreshingly honest and grounded redemption.
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