ON THE RISE

“Yes,” I said, “I am a rising character: once an old lady’s companion,

then a nursery-governess, now a school teacher.” 

— Excerpt from Charlotte Brontë’s novel, VILLETTE

Bronte’s heroine Lucy Snowe declares herself to be a rising character, one who has risen from humble beginnings and on a path that is perhaps unforeseen by others.  Her assertion is, indeed, valiant and worthy of our admiration.

This blog will spotlight the best stories driven by rising characters, whether in literature or film, onscreen and off. 

Consider that one of the best cinematic experiences is French director Abel Gance’s NAPOLEON.  It is a silent film that is over five hours in length and rarely seen because it requires three screens for its spectacular finale.  There are three pivotal rising characters attached to this film — Abel Gance for his visionary and passionate filmmaking, Napoleon Bonaparte as portrayed by Albert Dieudonné (surely one of the most awkwardly sexy and yet dynamic figures ever), and historian Kevin Brownlow who has literally spent his lifetime piecing the film together, after it was artistically mangled to pieces (in the interest of distribution and commercial appeal) following its initial debut.

Albert Dieudonné leads the way as NAPOLEON (1927).

Consider why Jane Austen’s novels and their screen adaptations strike such a chord with audiences.  Austen was a spinster living in relative isolation, but she also possessed an unstoppable genius.  Her heroines create a standard by which we judge our hearts and our place in the world.  They are perhaps defined by money and social position, but have none of the superficiality of modern life (this means you Reality TV; and you Social Media) that obscures true feelings and their best selves.

Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen lift our hearts 

in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2005).

Consider Mr. Fredricksen and Russell in UP.  Literally, they are both on the rise, when a house is held aloft and transported to South America via helium balloons.  Fredricksen is an elderly man, widowed, and completely on the outs with active society.  The authorities even order him to a retirement home.  Russell is essentially an orphaned boy, coping with the absence of his father (perpetually away on business) and his birth mother.  This isn’t just another odd-couple-road picture, starring an outrageous comedian and a bona fide leading actor.  UP is about an old man and a Japanese American boy scout.  You might ask why mentioning Russell’s ethnicity is important.  It isn’t, but, then again, when was the last time you saw an Asian American in a leading part in a major release?  UP may be animated, but it’s also an Oscar winner that is easily recognized by millions of people.

Russell and Mr. Fredricksen get carried away in UP (2009).

We should all consider ourselves rising characters.  Because life is hard.  Man, is it hard.  Be a hero to yourself and to other people.  See the world as much as you can in person.  And when you can’t, then see the world through the lens of the stories that are told.  Some of those stories will break your heart, but they are transformative.  They reach beyond boundaries and speak to our humanity.  Don’t wait to be told; don’t wait to be served.  Belly up to the table and bring your curiosity and your heart.  They will serve you well.