How Arcane Writes INTELLIGENCE

Summary

This video explores the complex concept of intelligence in storytelling, particularly in character development. It emphasizes that intelligence is not just a fixed trait but a dynamic relationship between a character's ideas, experiences, and emotions. Using characters from *Arcane*, the video delves into how each character's intelligence is shaped by their personal journey, flaws, and philosophies. It encourages writers to view intelligence as a living, evolving aspect of characters rather than a simple stat, resulting in more organic and nuanced storytelling. The video also hints at a deeper comparison with Brandon Sanderson's work in an upcoming follow-up.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intelligence is not a static trait but a character's unique relationship to specific ideas, abilities, and emotions.
• 😀 The video explores different types of intelligence in *Arcane*, showing how characters' intellectual abilities shape their actions and arcs.
• 😀 Characters in *Arcane* like Jinx, Sil, and Ambessa have intelligence tied to their personal struggles, creativity, and central ideas.
• 😀 Intelligence in *Arcane* is often used as a tool to compensate for characters' weaknesses or vulnerabilities, such as Jinx using her intellect to cover feelings of inadequacy.
• 😀 Writing intelligent characters is not about making them 'smart' but about understanding their relationship to the world and their unique ways of thinking.
• 😀 Each character in *Arcane* expresses their intelligence in distinct ways, such as Sing's cold, single-minded focus, or Ekko’s wisdom rooted in life experience.
• 😀 Intelligence can be a double-edged sword in storytelling, where skills or knowledge can backfire, causing the character to struggle or become something they never intended.
• 😀 The conflict and resolution of a character’s intelligence often involve their ideas or skills being challenged or misused, leading to growth or failure.
• 😀 Writers should think about characters' intelligence in relation to their personality, background, and life experiences, rather than simply a trait or stat.
• 😀 The next part of the discussion will compare *Arcane*’s approach to intelligence with that of Brandon Sanderson's works, diving deeper into the philosophical aspects of intelligence.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video regarding intelligence?

The central theme of the video is that intelligence is not a simple trait but a dynamic relationship between a character and specific ideas, abilities, experiences, and emotions. Intelligence is portrayed as a living thing that evolves and shapes a character's actions and decisions, rather than a fixed characteristic.

How does the video differentiate between types of intelligence?

The video differentiates types of intelligence by associating them with specific ideas or concepts. For example, Jinx's intelligence is tied to creativity and madness, while Sil's intelligence is focused on a singular powerful idea. Other characters like Sing or Jace have intelligence linked to vision and quick learning, respectively. These various types of intelligence drive character arcs and plot developments.

How does intelligence serve as both a strength and a cover-up for weaknesses in characters?

Intelligence often serves as a coping mechanism for characters dealing with vulnerabilities. For instance, Jinx uses her intellect to compensate for feelings of uselessness and being unloved, while Vander and Ekko use their wisdom to move past their traumatic pasts. The video emphasizes that intelligence can hide or distract from deeper emotional conflicts or fears.

What role does intelligence play in the development of character arcs?

Intelligence shapes character arcs by guiding their actions and decisions. Characters may initially feel weak or lost, and intelligence gives them direction or empowerment. However, this intelligence can backfire, leading to conflict and growth, as characters learn the limits of their abilities or face the consequences of their choices.

What is the significance of the contrast between characters with different types of intelligence?

The contrast between characters with different types of intelligence is crucial for character development and plot progression. These differences can lead to conflict, collaboration, or complementary relationships. For example, characters with opposing philosophies or intelligence types may clash, while those with complementary intelligence types can work together more effectively.

How does the video suggest writers should approach intelligence when creating characters?

The video suggests that writers should not view intelligence as a static trait but as a dynamic force linked to a character's philosophy, abilities, and experiences. Writers should think about what ideas give the character unique insights, how their intelligence interacts with their personality, and how it evolves throughout the story.

What are some examples of intelligence backfiring in the characters of *Arcane*?

In *Arcane*, several characters experience intelligence backfiring. For example, Sing's single-mindedness leads to dangerous consequences, and Jace’s quick learning sometimes causes him to overlook the consequences of his actions. These examples highlight how intelligence, if not used carefully, can lead to unwanted outcomes or even moral compromise.

Why does the video emphasize that intelligence is not a simple stat on a character sheet?

The video emphasizes that intelligence is more than a simple stat because it is not just about raw ability. Intelligence is intricately tied to a character’s emotions, experiences, and personal growth. A static trait on a character sheet fails to capture the complexity of how intelligence functions in storytelling and character development.

What does the video suggest about the relationship between intelligence and other character traits like kindness or bravery?

The video suggests that traits like kindness or bravery, much like intelligence, are not simplistic labels but complex relationships with deeper emotions and experiences. For example, kindness may stem from a character’s upbringing, philosophical beliefs, or even as a cover for darker motives. These traits, like intelligence, should be explored in-depth to understand the forces behind them.

What future comparison is teased in the video regarding intelligence in *Arcane* and *Brandon Sanderson’s* works?

The video teases a future comparison between how intelligence is portrayed in *Arcane* and in *Brandon Sanderson’s* works, particularly focusing on characters like Ter, Jasna, and Yna. This discussion will delve deeper into the pitfalls and complexities of intelligence in storytelling, offering insights into how Sanderson’s approach contrasts with *Arcane*’s depiction of intelligence.