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This Greek word literally means vomiting up or purging, but as it pertains to writing it has come to mean an emotional release or emotional breakthrough. Simply, you want to write something that will create this powerful feeling in not only your hero but your audience as well.
As for your main character, ideally he should arrive at a moment in the story when he has reached the highest point of awareness. This will come in the third Act. His consciousness has been raised. He will look at things differently now.
Think of the catharsis as the logical result of your protagonist's character arc. But make sure not to have the guy experience this too soon. Change in fiction, as in life, must happen gradually.
The journey from racial prejudice to racial tolerance doesn't happen in one scene in Act One. It culminates, most likely near the end of the script, with the main character arriving at a newer, presumably better place. And as he experiences this breakthrough the audience shares it with him. |
