character metamorphosis theme

An individual wittingly undergoes a fundamental change in terms of character.

Examples

In play: Pygmalion (1913), "Pygmalion", cockney flower girl Eliza transforms herself into a proper Lady with the illustrious assistance of speech Professor Higgins.

14 total · 13 major · 1 minor

StoryLevelMotivation
ahh3x19 major Shamed by his ex-fiancée, Walter resolved to transform himself into a more exiting character: an adventurous man of the sea.
movie: A Clockwork Orange (1971) major Alex entered into a program that used behaviorist psychological techniques in an effort to reform from being a violent criminal to a good person.
movie: Ben-Hur (1959) major A striking feature of the story is that Ben-Hur went from being a peaceful Jewish prince and merchant into a hardened vengeance-driven warrior, and finally, through the influence of Jesus, back into a man of peace.
movie: Edge of Tomorrow (2014) major Major Cage went from being a self-serving public relations officer with no combat experience to being a selfless, battle hardened hero figure.
movie: Ninotchka (1939) major Ninotchka was a stern killjoy who never allowed herself to crack a smile until she fell in love with Léon. From then on, she became a new person who enjoyed life.
movie: One Eight Seven (1997) major Mr. Garfield, a mild-manned substitute science teacher, gradually lost his marbles over the abuse he suffered in the classroom and turned into a vigilante killer.
movie: Pitch Black (2000) major The story pointedly concluded with Riddick stated that "he died somewhere on that planet", meaning that he'd left his old life as an infamous criminal and murderer behind there, and was now a reformed man.
movie: Star Kid (1997) major The seventh grader Spencer went from being a shy, socially awkward boy to being a confident and self-assured boy. This is pointedly evidenced by, among other things, Spencer going from being too shy to talk to his love interest, Michelle, at the start of the film to confidently striking up a conversation with her at the conclusion of the film.
play: Pygmalion (1913) major Eliza underwent a substantial change in terms of character and social destiny
tftc1989e6x04 major In a surprise twist, Nelson, a meek computer nerd, was taken over by his assertive and ambitious alter ego, his childhood imaginary friend Eddie.