| By John Finnegan
In Ridley Scott's Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general, finds himself condemned to execution by the new emperor, Commodus, for refusing to swear loyalty. Maximus escapes, only to discover his family brutally murdered. He’s sold into slavery and rises as a gladiator, determined to exact revenge on the emperor. It’s an emotionally charged and harrowing journey filled with violence, loss, and unrelenting obstacles. Yet, despite the brutality and alien nature of his world, audiences deeply connect with Maximus. How does this happen?
Maximus’ story resonates not because we can relate to his circumstances—ancient Rome is far removed from modern life—but because of his choices. His decision-making process, rooted in universal moral dilemmas, invites us to understand and empathize with him. Let’s explore why these early choices are pivotal for audience engagement and how they function in other iconic films.
The Power of Early Moral Decisions
Audience connection hinges on understanding and supporting a character’s actions early in the story. For Maximus, this crucial moment occurs when Commodus demands loyalty after murdering Marcus Aurelius, the emperor and Maximus' mentor. Maximus refuses out of moral integrity and loyalty to Aurelius, despite knowing the cost—his own life and potentially his family’s safety.
This decision is both emotionally and ethically relatable. We admire Maximus for prioritizing principle over personal safety, and this admiration solidifies our willingness to follow his journey. His choice reveals his core values, anchoring the story in a universally understood moral conflict: loyalty versus self-preservation.
How to Write Character Actions Using The Moral Dilemma
The moral dilemma is a storytelling device that compels audiences to evaluate a character’s decisions against their own sense of right and wrong. When done early, it sets the stage for deeper investment in the protagonist’s journey. In Gladiator, Maximus’ refusal to betray his principles shows he is a good man—someone we want to see triumph, even in a savage world.
This is not unique to Gladiator. Let’s examine how other films use early decisions to forge connections between characters and viewers:
1. Survival Versus Morality in Alien
In Alien, Ellen Ripley faces a decision that defines her character. When a crew member is infected with an alien organism, Ripley insists on following quarantine protocol and refuses to allow him back aboard the ship. However, the android Ash overrules her, prioritizing the infected crewmember’s immediate needs over the safety of the crew. Ripley’s decision is a survival-based choice, contrasting with the moral inclination to help the infected man.
Ripley’s logical decision marks her as a pragmatic and capable leader. Audiences quickly align with her because she prioritizes the greater good over personal emotions. As the story unfolds, this connection deepens as Ripley’s instincts prove correct, and the consequences of Ash’s interference become deadly.
2. Loyalty Versus Compassion in Kingsman: The Secret Service
In Kingsman, Eggsy’s defining moment occurs during his secret agent training. He’s ordered to shoot his dog as a test of loyalty and resolve. Eggsy refuses, choosing compassion over obedience, even though it risks his future as an agent. This decision reflects his moral integrity and aligns him with his late father, a heroic figure in his life.
This choice endears Eggsy to the audience. His compassion and defiance resonate as qualities we value in heroes. While his refusal jeopardizes his career, it solidifies his moral stance, making him someone we respect and root for.
Timing Is Everything
The placement of these pivotal decisions within the story’s first act is crucial. For characters like Ripley and Eggsy, who inhabit relatively relatable worlds, their defining choices come slightly later. Ripley is a "trucker," and Eggsy’s life mirrors the struggles of many young adults. These grounded settings provide initial relatability before deeper conflicts arise.
Conversely, for characters like Maximus, whose worlds are far removed from contemporary reality, the moral dilemma must appear early. This ensures audiences quickly find a way to connect with someone so distant from their own experience.
The Journey Begins with One Choice
In Gladiator, Maximus’ journey of revenge and redemption illustrates how to write character actions that resonate deeply with the audience. His refusal to betray his mentor serves as the foundation for every triumph and tragedy he endures. This initial moral stand ensures that we understand and support his choice, allowing us to fully accept the emotional and narrative weight of his journey.
Early moral decisions serve as a compass for audiences, helping them navigate complex worlds and characters. These moments allow us to relate to characters, even in the most alien settings, by aligning their choices with universal human values. For storytellers, ensuring that these choices are both compelling and well-timed is the key to securing audience investment—and, ultimately, delivering stories that resonate deeply.
Whether it’s Maximus’ defiance, Ripley’s pragmatism, or Eggsy’s compassion, one choice can make all the difference in drawing us into a character’s world and rooting for their success.
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