Trauma and Disability as Elements of Narrative Construction and Commercial Success in “Arcane”

Maciej Śledź, Hanna Pachurka

Abstract


This article examines how the narrative and representation of trauma and disability in the Arcane series contribute to its artistic and commercial success. The creators expanded upon characters from the game League of Legends by enriching them with complex psychological profiles, themes of traumatic experiences, and diverse social representation. Key characters such as Jinx, Vi, and Viktor are analyzed, each embodying distinct approaches to trauma and technological self-enhancement, reflecting transhumanist aspirations. The narrative depth, combined with inclusive themes, fosters emotional engagement while enhancing brand loyalty and increasing market value. The article demonstrates that strategic investment in authentic storytelling can lead to multifaceted success, setting new benchmarks in transmedia storytelling and narrative-driven marketing strategies.

Keywords


Narrative Marketing, Cultural Branding, Disability Representation, Emotional Engagement, Trauma-Informed Storytelling

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.19197/tbr.v23i2.370

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Print ISSN: 1643-8175, Online ISSN: 2451-0955, DOI prefix: 10.19197, Principal Contact: tbr@wsb.torun.pl