The Borrowers Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of The Borrowers.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1997, The Borrowers is a Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Comedy, Family film directed by Peter Hewitt, written by Gavin Scott. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving John Goodman as Ocious P. Potter.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. The four-inch-tall Clock family secretly share a house with the normal-sized Lender family, "borrowing" such items as thread, safety pins, batteries and scraps of food. However, their peaceful co-existence is disturbed when evil lawyer Ocious P. Potter steals the will granting title to the house, which he plans to demolish in order to build apartments. The Lenders are forced to move, and the Clocks face the risk of being exposed to the normal-sized world. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The Borrowers establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Peter Hewitt introducing John Goodman as Ocious P. Potter in the opening act, and in a brisk 87-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. John Goodman's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with John Goodman's arc reaching resolution. Peter Hewitt's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.