1. Coming of Age Films

2. A coming of age story focuses on the following:
A protagonist who is
Socially or psychologically maturing
Receiving an “education” but not just in a traditional school

3. The character’s growth begins when
He/she is faced with loss or discovery…
Character may lose innocence
Character may struggle with knowledge that the adult world is complex
Character may find the “absolutes” of childhood no longer exist ( there is not always a right or wrong answer)
A mentor is present who helps them on their journey, but sometimes can be a negative mentor

4. The character’s growth is shown by
Clashes between what he/she wants and rules of society
The character trying to establish his/her own rules
The character trying to become an active participant in the world

5. Sometimes the films contain
An initiation, trial, or rite of passage
Religious ceremony, membership in a club, birthday, etc.

6. Sometimes the films contain
An epiphany… a sudden realization of truth about him/herself or the world
An epiphany sometimes includes seeing the world for what it really is or people for who they are
An epiphany is sometimes called an “aha” moment.

7. Sometimes the films contain
Loss of innocence
Common symbols are fruit, gardens/forests, purity that has spoiled or gone rotten

8. Sometimes the films contain
A journey, real or symbolic
The protagonist has a dream, strives for a particular goal, or seeks the object of a quest
Obstacles stand in the way of the dream and opportunities open up for them
Sometimes the protagonist loses heart or gets discouraged and someone else has to hold onto the dream for them
At the beginning they are insufficient to the task and have to develop some aspect of their character in order to attain their goal