character-driven
UK[ˈkærəktə drɪvn̩]US[ˈkærəktər drɪvn̩]
adj
Describing a story, film, or play in which the plot is primarily shaped by the internal development, motivations, and choices of the characters, rather than by external events or action sequences.
Morpheme Breakdown
character
driven
character
driven
powered or controlled by.
Etymology
The compound "character-driven" is a modern descriptive term from literary and film criticism, emerging in the 20th century. It combines "character," a term with ancient roots in the concept of an engraved, distinctive mark that defines identity, with "driven," an Old English term for being propelled or compelled. The logic of the word is elegantly mechanical: the narrative vehicle is not powered by plot engines ("plot-driven") but is instead steered and given momentum by the internal forces of its characters' personalities, decisions, and growth. This contrasts with genres where story is paramount, placing the focus on psychological realism and personal transformation.
Analysis
Structure: character + driven
- character: From Latin character (mark, distinctive quality), via Greek kharaktēr (engraved mark, instrument for marking). In this compound, it functions as a noun denoting the fictional persons in a narrative.
- driven: Past participle of the verb drive, from Old English drīfan (to propel, urge forward). In this compound, it functions as an adjective-forming element meaning "powered or controlled by."
Examples
The film is a subtle, character-driven drama that explores the complexities of family relationships.
She prefers character-driven novels where the focus is on personal evolution rather than grand adventures.
The success of the series lies in its richly written, character-driven storytelling.