"We're two buddies setting out with a common goal. We'll argue about something dumb, fight and breakup, only to come back when we realize neither could do it without the other. It's simple yet magical."
— Patrick, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run
Mr. Protagonist: Why do we have to fight right now? Like, from a storytelling perspective?
[music starts]
Mr. Protagonist: I never missed
Being one protagonist
You gave me so much CHARACTER GROWTH, which is
What the writers wished
Mr. Deuteragonist: I feel the same
Since the day I learned your name
I arced so hard 'cuz you changed my heart, and I...
Well, you get the gist.
Mr. Protagonist: I sure do, buddy.
Both: But apparently more conflict
Is what this scene's demanding
And alas, we're at our Third-Act Misunderstanding
But why?
Three seconds ago we were fine
But now I gotta argue with you
So we can separate for one scene (one scene)
But then we're gonna rendezvous
To move the plot forward on cue
Why say nope to a trope that is so tried and true?
With you (With you)
With you (With you)
With you
Mr. Protagonist: I'll see you in the next scene...
[music starts]
Mr. Protagonist: I never missed
Being one protagonist
You gave me so much CHARACTER GROWTH, which is
What the writers wished
Mr. Deuteragonist: I feel the same
Since the day I learned your name
I arced so hard 'cuz you changed my heart, and I...
Well, you get the gist.
Mr. Protagonist: I sure do, buddy.
Both: But apparently more conflict
Is what this scene's demanding
And alas, we're at our Third-Act Misunderstanding
But why?
Three seconds ago we were fine
But now I gotta argue with you
So we can separate for one scene (one scene)
But then we're gonna rendezvous
To move the plot forward on cue
Why say nope to a trope that is so tried and true?
With you (With you)
With you (With you)
With you
Mr. Protagonist: I'll see you in the next scene...
Dan: Fine, I'll stop the shadow rebellion on my own. (flicks the lightswitch) Good-bye, Daniel.
Daniel: (rushes to the switch) Dan, wait-!
(The light comes back, but Dan is nowhere to be seen)
Daniel: (touches the closed door) Dan... come back...
— A hypothetical scene
showcasing this trope for the cancelled Dreamworks Animation film, Me and My Shadow
showcasing this trope for the cancelled Dreamworks Animation film, Me and My Shadow