Connecting with Characters - PowerPoint Presentation

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Connecting with CharactersMain CharactersSubordinate CharactersFlat Characters versus Round CharactersDynamic Characters versus Static CharactersConflictMotivationPractice

Character Interactions

Feature MenuSlide2

What draws readers into a story?Connecting with CharactersVivid, complex characters whose problems and triumphs draw forth our emotions and reveal some truth about humankind.[End of Section]Slide3

The action of the story revolves around the protagonist and the conflict he or she faces. Main CharactersProtagonist—the main character of a story.Antagonist—the character or force the protagonist struggles against and must overcome.

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Subordinate characters add depth and complication to the plot.Subordinate CharactersMain character

Friends

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Flat charactershave only one or two character traits that can be described in a few wordsFlat Characters versus Round Charactershave no depth, like a piece of cardboardSlide6

Round characters have many different character traits that sometimes contradict each otherFlat Characters versus Round Charactersare much like real people, with several sides to their personality

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Dynamic characterschange or grow as a result of the story’s actionsDynamic Characters versus Static Characterslearn something about themselves, other people, or the world as they struggle to resolve their conflictsThe changes that a dynamic character undergoes contribute to the meaning

of the story.Slide8

Static charactersdo not change or growDynamic Characters versus Static Charactersare the same at the end of a story as they were in the beginningSubordinate characters are often static characters.

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External conflict—struggle between a character and an outside force.character versus characterConflictcharacter versus society

character versus natureSlide10

ConflictInternal conflict—struggle between opposing needs or desires or emotions within a character. character versus himselfcharacter versus herselfSlide11

What type of conflict does the character face?ConflictQuick Check

“Y’all git some stones,” commanded Joey now and was met with instant giggling obedience as everyone except me began to gather pebbles from the dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.”

I just stood there peering through the bushes, torn between wanting to join the fun and feeling that it was a bit silly.

from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier

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ConflictInternal conflict. She has to decide whether to join in or not.What type of conflict does the character face?

Quick Check

“Y’all git some stones,” commanded Joey now and was met with instant giggling obedience as everyone except me began to gather pebbles from the dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.”

I just stood there peering through the bushes, torn between wanting to join the fun and feeling that it was a bit silly.

from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. CollierSlide13

Motivation—what drives a character’s actions. ItMotivationexplains behaviorsis often based on character’s fears, conflicts, needsMotivation can be inferred by observing characters’ behavior, speech, actions.

reveals personality

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Think of a story you’ve read in which the protagonist faces powerful conflicts. Use a chart like the one here to map out the conflicts and their resolutions, as well as the protagonist’s motivations. Practice

Protagonist

Motivation

Internal Conflict

Resolution

Motivation

External conflict and antagonist

Resolution

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The End