Gladiator is one of the best films of the last two decades. With an all-star cast and a setting that brings back the glamour of Ancient Rome, there is a lot to learn from breaking it down and seeing how it is constructed. 

Let’s dive into this Gladiator breakdown.

What is Gladiator all about? 

Gladiator is a 2000 film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, and Oliver Reed. The film is set in the Roman Empire, in which Maximus (Crowe) is a general who wins the favor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). However, when Marcus Aurelius dies, Maximus' son Commodus (Phoenix) becomes emperor.

​He orders that Maximus be killed so he can take over as emperor. However, Maximus escapes and finds himself fighting for his life.

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Crowe), Best Supporting Actress (Nielsen), Best Costume Design, and Best Sound Mixing. It won two Oscars: Best Cinematography and Best Sound Mixing.

What are the main themes in Gladiator? 

The main themes in Gladiator are duty and honor, family, loyalty, and revenge. These themes are all explored in different ways throughout the film. 

Duty and honor are connected in the sense that they both involve doing what is right or expected of you despite your personal feelings.

Family is a central part of the film because it motivates Maximus' actions throughout the movie. He has a strong sense of duty toward his family and will do anything for them—even die for them if necessary—as he does at the end when he saves Commodus from being killed by his father.

Loyalty to family is another major theme in Gladiator because all three main characters have strong ties to other people who were important in their lives: Marcus Aurelius (Maximus' father), Aurelia (Maximus' wife), and Lucilla (Commodus' sister). 

In terms of genre Gladiator is an epic historical film. 

Who are the main characters in Gladiator? 

Now we’ve examined the plot and themes let’s take a look at the main characters in Gladiator. 

Maximus

Maximus is the main character in Gladiator and is played by Russell Crowe. He is a Roman General who was betrayed by Emperor Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) and forced to become a gladiator.

Commodus

Commodus is another main character in the film and is played by Joaquin Phoenix. He is Marcus Aurelius’ son and heir apparent to the throne of Rome.

Lucilla 

Lucilla is another main character in Gladiator and is played by Connie Nielsen. She is Commodus' sister who tries to help Maximus save his wife and son from Commodus when he becomes emperor after Commodus kills his father Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius

Played by the late Richard Harris, he is murdered by his son, Commodus, due to Marcus appointing Maximus as his successor.

Gladiator breakdown using Dan Harmon’s Story Circle

If you don’t know what Dan Harmon’s Story Circle is then do check out our blog on what it’s all about. If you want to use this format in your scripts, then please take a look at our diagram below to understand the cyclical journey your hero should embark on.

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Dan Harmon's Story Circle structure is usually divided into eight sections. Let's dive in.

1. Character is in their comfort zone

General Maximus has returned home victorious from battle - what Romans do best. 

2. Character desires something

Maximus is looking for his next big challenge. Emperor Marcus Aurelius discloses to Maximus that his son - Commodus - is not suited to become emperor and he wishes Maximus to act as Regent. 

3. Character enters an unfamiliar situation

Maximus is forced to become a gladiator after Commodus kills Marcus Aurelius and attempts to kill Maximus too after he refuses to pledge allegiance to him. Due to his refusal Maximus' wife and child are killed.

4. Character adapts to the situation

Maximus is forced to fight in smaller tournaments. He impresses the local crowds and becomes a skilled gladiator. 

5. Character gets what they want

Maximus must fight and as yet unbeaten gladiator called Tigris beats him even though Commodus has set tigers upon Maximus during the duel. Maximus gains popularity amongst the Roman people, much to Commodous’ fury. 

6. They pay a heavy price for it

Along the journey, Maximus has seen his son and wife crucified and fellow soldiers Proximo and Hagen, sacrifice themselves for him. 

In the climax, Maximus is forced to battle Commodous. Although Maximus wins, he suffers fatal wounds and thus sacrifices their own life. 

7. Character returns to their familiar situation

Maximus realizes he will soon be reunited with his wife and children. 

8. They have changed as a result of their journey

Maximus is remembered as a soldier of Rome - having succeeded in his new challenge as a gladiator - and in his dying moments asks for political reform. He dies as a hero. This is the classic trope of the hero who died for glory and fame. 

What can we learn from breaking down Gladiator using Dan Harmon's Story Circle? 

Gladiator is a movie epic in length and scale and proportionate to the grand age in which it's set. However, despite its complexity, we’ve been able to create a Gladiator breakdown into just 8 steps.

This is a classic hero’s journey movie in which our hero is put in peril and must overcome immense personal sacrifice - including the death of his wife and child - to obtain the glory of the Roman Empire.

When you strip back your screenplay think about what challenges your hero needs to overcome, how they are being placed outside their comfort zone, and what lessons they learn. 

If you need help plotting or drafting your screenplay be sure to consider our industry-standard software, available for download today. 

Happy writing from the Arc Studio team!