redemptive arc

plural redemptive arcs

1. literatureSynonym of redemption arc (“story arc wherein an immoral character redeems themselves and makes right for their wrongdoings”).

   A grim social-realist drama from New Zealand that labors to twist its narrative into a redemptive arc, “The Justice of Bunny King” has an unsteady tone to match its ungainly title.

   2022 September 29, Ben Kenigsberg, “‘The Justice of Bunny King’ Review: No Way Out”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms: redemption arc

2. broadlySynonym of redemption arc (“series of actions or events by which a person makes right for their past failures, errors, or wrongdoings”).

   For Manis, the league is an opportunity to course-correct a career beleaguered by bumps and false starts. She is joined by women at various stages of their basketball careers, many focused on redemptive arcs of their own.

   2022 February 23, Tamryn Spruill, “Women’s Basketball Players Get a New Lifeline, Close to Home”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms: redemption arc