The Big Picture
Donna Paulsen, a beloved character on the hit show Suits, underwent changes in later seasons that did not do justice to her character’s development. The lack of growth as she rose from secretary to Senior Partner to Chief Operating Officer (COO) made her promotion feel weak in terms of storytelling. Donna’s rapid rise on Suits compromised the integrity of her character and left viewers questioning the authenticity of her journey. Character development in television requires a delicate balance between consistency and evolution, and a misstep can have disastrous consequences for even the most beloved characters.
In different genres, creative decisions about character development have sparked debates among fans. Skyler White from Breaking Bad, for example, faced criticism for her drastic change from a moral compass to involvement in Walt’s drug empire. This deviation from her established character made her story less sympathetic, although still entertaining. Similarly, Jon Snow from Game of Thrones shifted from a warrior focused on protecting his people to a romantic willing to do anything for his girlfriend, eliciting sharp criticism.
Donna Paulsen’s rapid rise from secretary to COO on Suits stands out as an example of how even well-intentioned decisions can undermine a character’s integrity. Before becoming COO, Donna was already a standout character due to her wit and sass as a corporate secretary. Her interactions with others, regardless of their position in the company, defined her character. The phrase “Donna knows” exemplified her omniscient status in the company. However, her quick promotion to COO felt forced and unrealistic, distancing her from the interactions that made her character shine. A more organic and gradual growth would have allowed for better interactions with other characters.
To understand Donna’s leap from secretary to COO, we need to recap the pivotal episode. Donna asks Harvey Specter, her boss and love interest, for a promotion to Senior Partner. Despite her not being a lawyer, Harvey promises to consider her request. After a day passes with no response, Donna seeks advice from Gretchen, who tells her she should have shown her commitment by giving Harvey a check, a requirement for becoming Senior Partner. Later, we learn that Donna did give Harvey the check, which leads to an argument with Louis Litt. Harvey defends Donna and asserts his authority after Jessica’s departure, resulting in Louis accepting Donna’s promotion. However, when Katrina, another aspiring senior partner, expresses her disappointment in Donna’s promotion, Harvey rescinds it. Donna then asks for the role of COO, arguing her case, and Harvey eventually agrees. Within hours, Donna transforms from secretary to senior partner to COO.
While Suits remained captivating, this particular scene undermined the organic development of one of the show’s best characters. Donna’s ascent to COO lacked the challenges and struggles that typically shape a character’s growth. Without overcoming obstacles, her trajectory felt unrealistic. Furthermore, her exceptional secretary skills and traits that endeared her to viewers were diminished in her COO role. Her character arc lacked the Underdog Effect that made her promotion less satisfying to watch. Additionally, her promotion came at the expense of authentic relationships and offered no new challenges.
Beloved characters on television often undergo changes that either enhance their arcs or tarnish them. Donna Paulsen’s swift promotion from secretary to COO in Suits falls into the latter category, demonstrating the pitfalls that can come with well-intentioned storytelling. Other iconic shows like Friends also faced similar challenges when introducing divisive storylines for beloved characters, as seen with the controversial romantic arc between Rachel and Joey. Donna’s rushed progression undermined the essence of her character, ultimately leading to a less satisfying viewing experience.
In conclusion, character development is a delicate art that requires careful consideration. Donna Paulsen’s abrupt elevation to COO in Suits serves as a reminder that even the best intentions can derail a character’s journey, compromising the integrity of the show’s best character.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
