Spider-Man (2002)
Summary
Peter Parker, a shy high school student, gains extraordinary powers after being bitten by a genetically engineered spider. At first, he uses his new abilities for selfish reasons — until his inaction leads to the death of his beloved Uncle Ben. Haunted by guilt and guided by Ben’s final lesson, “With great power comes great responsibility,” Peter becomes Spider-Man, vowing to use his gifts to protect others.
As he faces the Green Goblin — a reflection of what unchecked power can become — Peter learns that heroism often comes with sacrifice. By the end, he accepts that he can’t have a normal life or the love he wants, but he can choose to do what’s right. His journey transforms him from an uncertain teenager into a hero defined by conscience and responsibility.
Key Characters
- Protagonist: Peter Parker / Spider-Man — a brilliant but socially awkward high school student whose newfound powers awaken both potential and moral conflict. His journey is one of growth from self-interest to selflessness, as he learns that true strength lies in responsibility, not power.
- Antagonist: Norman Osborn / Green Goblin — a brilliant industrialist and father to Peter’s best friend, Harry. After testing an unstable performance enhancer on himself, he gains superhuman abilities — but loses his sanity. Norman represents the corruption of ambition: power pursued without morality.
- Mentor: Uncle Ben Parker — Peter’s moral anchor and father figure. His wisdom, especially the line “With great power comes great responsibility,” becomes the ethical foundation of Peter’s transformation.
- Love Interest: Mary Jane (MJ) Watson — Peter’s kind and ambitious neighbor, whose dreams of escaping hardship inspire him. She represents the normal life Peter longs for but ultimately sacrifices to protect her.
- Allies: Harry Osborn — Peter’s best friend and Norman’s son, caught between loyalty to Peter and resentment toward his father’s favoritism.
- Supporting Roles:
- J. Jonah Jameson — the blustering editor of the Daily Bugle who vilifies Spider-Man in the press while unwittingly helping define his public image.
- Flash Thompson — the school bully whose early taunts underscore Peter’s alienation before his transformation.
Structure
Act 1 - Setup
Hook
Peter Parker, a shy and awkward high school senior, struggles to find his place in the world — bullied, unnoticed by his crush Mary Jane Watson, and living humbly with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben.
Inciting Incident
During a school trip to a genetics lab, Peter is bitten by a genetically modified spider. Overnight, he develops superhuman strength, agility, and reflexes — a transformation that gives him power he doesn’t yet understand.
First Turning Point
After using his powers for personal gain, Peter fails to stop a robber who later kills Uncle Ben. Wracked with guilt, Peter realizes the cost of his inaction. Uncle Ben’s words — “With great power comes great responsibility” — become Peter’s moral compass, propelling him to use his abilities for good.
Act 2 - Confrontation
Rising Action
Peter embraces his new identity as Spider-Man, protecting New York from street crime while struggling to balance heroism, work, and school. Meanwhile, Norman Osborn — his best friend’s father — experiments on himself and becomes the ruthless Green Goblin, targeting those who stand in his way.
Second Turning Point
The Green Goblin discovers Spider-Man’s true identity and attacks Peter’s loved ones. Peter’s double life collapses as his heroism puts those he cares about in danger, forcing him to choose between personal happiness and responsibility.
Act 3 - Resolution
Climax
In a brutal showdown, Spider-Man faces the Green Goblin, who uses MJ as bait. Peter defeats him but refuses to become a killer. Osborn’s own glider impales him — a tragic end to a man consumed by power.
Resolution
At Norman’s funeral, Peter rejects a relationship with Mary Jane to protect her from his dangerous life. Alone but resolute, he accepts his destiny: to live by his uncle’s words and carry the burden of being Spider-Man — a hero defined not by power, but by responsibility.
Works Mentioned
- Raimi, Sam (dir.). Spider-Man (2002)
- All images and clips from Spider-Man (2002). © Columbia Pictures / Marvel Enterprises / Sony.
← Previous
Next →