Trim Path that follows a stop and go character...

[Doodledum11]

So I did solve my problem BUT there must be a better way? Yes?  I keyframed every stop and go.  If the character moved at a consistent speed, I would be able to move the line to the path of the character, but not if it moved and then stops and repeats.  Attached are two screen shots of the inners of my project and the 20 sec. clip...maybe I do have the only way to solve this...

[Doodledum11]

Here is the other screen shot.  

[Mylenium]

There's actually no easy way, at least not with masks/ shapes. One would have to integrate the lengths between points and if the lines have the slightest curvature you'd need to figure in the Bèzier formula as well. In your case it probably would be a lot simpler if you created each line segment as a separate path, though. Then you can simply blend from 0 to 100 % without having to worry about figuring out intermediate values.

Mylenium

[Doodledum11]

Thnk you.  I do see your option and I didn't think of that.  Just wondering if the real solution was right in front of my face and I didn't see it.  Appreciate your response.