The television series "Smallville" and "Arrow" have benefited greatly from the work of renowned director David Nutter. Because he recognizes that a character's ability to be relatable is essential to their success, his understanding of how to develop compelling characters strikes a chord with viewers. Nutter understood the importance of establishing a connection between the audience and Clark Kent when he directed the pilot episode of "Smallville," which chronicles the formative years of Superman's alter ego. This required displaying both his remarkable talents and his weaknesses and challenges.

Nutter elaborated on this concept in an interview by bringing up "Arrow," a program that takes place in a grimier, darker universe. Although the tone and setting of these two series differ, Nutter's fundamental idea is the same: any character must first establish a human connection with their audience in order to be accepted as a hero.

Imagine it as a bridge connecting your heart and the screen. Characters require relatable aspects that viewers can emotionally connect with, much like a strong bridge requires solid foundations and thoughtful construction. The connection is that we see ourselves reflected in these fantastical characters, whether we're watching a show about a Kryptonian alien trying to blend in on Earth or a billionaire vigilante battling crime in the shadows of Gotham City.

This strategy is essential for all character-driven stories, not just superheroes. Viewers are more likely to emotionally invest in and believe in a protagonist's journey, regardless of how difficult or fantastical that journey may be, when they recognize parts of themselves in the character.