Connecting with Characters Main Characters Subordinate Characters Flat Characters versus Round Characters Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters Conflict Motivation Practice Character Interactions Feature Menu

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

The action of the story revolves around the protagonist and the conflict he or she faces. Main Characters Protagonist—the main character of a story. Antagonist—the character or force the protagonist struggles against and must overcome. [End of Section]

Subordinate characters add depth and complication to the plot. Subordinate Characters Main character Friends [End of Section]

Flat characters have only one or two character traits that can be described in a few words Flat Characters versus Round Characters have no depth, like a piece of cardboard

Round characters have many different character traits that sometimes contradict each other Flat Characters versus Round Characters are much like real people, with several sides to their personality [End of Section]

Dynamic characters change or grow as a result of the story’s actions Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters learn something about themselves, other people, or the world as they struggle to resolve their conflicts The changes that a dynamic character undergoes contribute to the meaning of the story.

Static characters do not change or grow Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters are the same at the end of a story as they were in the beginning Subordinate characters are often static characters. [End of Section]

Bell Ringer Come in SILENTLY and complete Day 5 of your Bell Ringer Sheet

Learning Targets / Agenda I can describe the character’s conflicts or struggles and motivations. Agenda: Bell Ringer Learning Target Power Point over conflicts and motivations Conflicts Activity Exit Slip

What was our learning target?

External conflict—struggle between a character and an outside force. character versus character Conflict character versus society character versus nature character versus fate character versus technology

Conflict Internal conflict—struggle between opposing needs or desires or emotions within a character. character versus himself character versus herself

What type of conflict does the character face? Conflict 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. Collier [End of Section]

Conflict Internal 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. Collier

What was our learning target again?

Motivation—what drives a character’s actions. It Motivation explains behaviors is often based on character’s fears, conflicts, needs Motivation can be inferred by observing characters’ behavior, speech, actions. reveals personality [End of Section]

Activity – Conflict Sort Type of Conflict Description Examples from Literature & Film (at least 3 examples) Examples from Real Life (at least 2 examples) Character v. Character (External) One character has a conflict with another character, often over a specific issue. Sometimes, one character might not know they are in conflict with another character. Groups of characters can also be in conflict with each other. Capulets v. Montagues (“Romeo and Juliet”) Luke Skywalker v. Darth Vader (“Star Wars”) Harry Potter v. Voldemort (Harry Potter) Barak Obama v. John McCain Democrats v. Republicans

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