Study-Character Arcs

Evident story arcs: 

Lieutenant Dan’s Redemption Arc-Dan begins as a hard-core solider who wants to die in battle. Instead, Forrest saves him, and he becomes a very physically disabled veteran. His arc involves him accepting Forrest’s help and finding purpose in his new life. 

Jenny’s Arc-Since childhood, her story involves a long downward spiral of abuse and eventually self-destructive choices as she navigates life. She tries to find happiness in the world before finally returning to her roots. 

Forrest’s Consistent Arc-While characters around him change; Forrest remains the same in his morals and values and beliefs. He stays consistently innocent and loyal, while following his mother’s saying; “does his best with what God gave him.” 

Bubba Gump Arc-Forrest proves his dedication to a promise he made to a friend. He completely transforms the small business into a successful business empire, and he overcame the loss of his friend. 

American History Arc-Forrest interacts with many historical figures and events throughout history, such as JFK, Elvis Presley, the Vietnam War, and Watergate. The film serves as a panorama of the 1960’s-70’s and the story arc of American history. 

Todorov’s narrative theory: 

(Initial equilibrium, disruption, recognition, attempt to repair, and new equilibrium.) 

Lieutenant Dan’s Redemption Arc-Lt. Dan at first had initial equilibrium, where he was fully committed to his way of living. He was a soldier with a mission to die in battle and serve. His disruption was being severely wounded in battle and rather than dying, Forrest saves him and he becomes a disabled veteran. Lt. Dan becomes embittered and depressed about his situation. He recognizes his issue and is resistant to accept it, while Forrest recognizes his problem with a different attitude; attempting to repair and help him. Lt. Dan finally accepts Forrest’s help and his new life, reaching new equilibrium. 

Jenny’s Arc-Jenny first had initial equilibrium for the most part of childhood, blissfully ignorant and innocent alongside Forrest Gump. Her disruption begins when she experiences the outside world and grows up; she is abused and becomes self-destructive. Jenny recognizes her issues and constantly explores new areas and realms, attempting to repair her issue by discovering new heights and finding happiness in the world. She finally decides to return home to her roots and reunite with Forrest, reaching an imperfect but new equilibrium.  

Bubba Gump Arc-Initial equilibrium is when Bubba and Forrest meet and become friends as soldiers in the Vietnam War. Disruption occurs when Bubba dies in Forrest’s arms during the War. This prompted Forrest to honor his best friend’s dream in recognition of the disruption. Forrest then attempts to repair by purchasing a shrimping boat and partnering with Lt. Dan to grow the business.  New equilibrium is reached when Forrest makes it the famous “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.” and gives a substantial number of profits to Bubba’s mother. He overcomes the loss of his friend and allows for his dream to become a reality. 

Other storytelling techniques: 

Forrest’s Consistent Arc-This arc is a flat character arc in an episodic structure. Forrest acts as an anchor and instead of changing his values, he remains the same in the chaotic and transforming world around him. He is honest, simple, and persistent throughout the entirety of the film, and his traits are revealed in episodic events. 

American History Arc-This arc is told through a frame narrative. It uses digital effects to blend the fictional character Forrest into footage of real events in history, creating a chronological journey through 20th century American history. 

Main narrative in relation to story arcs: 

The main narrative of Forrest Gump is a retrospective, episodic journey of an intellectually disabled but kind-hearted man. Historical integration in major cultural milestones is seemingly coincidentally related back to Forrest. The love story arc with Jenny, parallel to his adventures; the central narrative is the emotional and unconditional devotion to Jenny and is in alignment with his journey. Interactions with Forrest Gump and arcs in other characters like Lt. Dan and Bubba also contribute to his baseline narrative of innocence and loyalty.