redemption arc

plural redemption arcs

1. literatureA story arc wherein an immoral character redeems themselves and makes right for their wrongdoings (or wherein readers perceive them as having done so).

   Synonyms: redemptive arc

2. broadlyA series of actions or events by which a person makes right for their past failures, errors, or wrongdoings.

   But Mr. Depp’s victory — which a lawyer for Ms. Heard said she would appeal — may seem attractive to accused litigants who are desperately seeking a similar redemption arc, said Andrew Miltenberg, a lawyer whose firm regularly defends people accused of sexual misconduct.

   2022 June 2, Julia Jacobs, “Johnny Depp’s Win in Court Could Embolden Others, Lawyers Say”, in The New York Times

   1 more example

   Nobody really knows how Karius will fare on Sunday. He has not played a senior professional game for two years. Nobody knows where his head is at, what battle scars still remain, how he will fare in the cauldron of a cup final with Marcus Rashford bearing down on his goal. The redemption arc is a seductive narrative, and many neutrals will wish him well.

   2023 February 24, Jonathan Liew, “Loris Karius knows only too well how one game can change a career”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: redemptive arc