i feel like so many people misunderstand redemption arcs. they’re not about forgiving past actions. they’re not about softening previous behavior. redemption arcs are about realizing past behavior was heinous and resolving to be better, do better. that’s why so many redemption arcs fall apart upon close scrutiny.
redemption arcs do not rely on forgiveness! if a character is behaving a certain way just to be forgiven, that is not a good redemption arc! redemption arcs rely on people realizing their own behavior was bad and that they need to own up to the consequences. and those consequences can often include a lack of forgiveness!
