Characters and Conflict English II Mango

Static/Flat Characters Character whose personality does not change Example from “Marin”: “[Marin is] too much trouble…lights a cigarette…skirts are shorter…waiting for a car to stop…” (27). Emerging Theme: Sometimes we have to do something to make a change in our lives—we can’t just sit around and wait for something to happen. Justification (ties back to emerging theme):

Dynamic/Round Character Personality changes over the course of the story Example from “The Family of Little Feet”: – “We have legs…all our own, good to look at, and long” (40). – “Lucy hides the shoes…until one Tuesday her mother…throws them away. But no one complains” (42). Emerging Theme: Sometimes kids are too eager to grow up and are unprepared for the adversity they may encounter along the way. Justification (Tie back to emerging theme)

Protagonist Main character of a work Example from “A Rice Sandwich”: “I got it in my head one day to ask my mother to make me a sandwich and write a note to the principal so I could eat in the canteen too” (43). Emerging Theme: Although at times we are eager to see what is “on the other side” we realize to sometimes appreciate our current situation as it stands. Justification (ties to emerging theme):

Antagonist The character or force against whom the protagonist struggles Example from “The First Job”: “…just as I was about to put my lips on his cheek, he grabs my face with both hands and kisses me hard on the mouth and doesn’t let go” (55). Emerging Theme: It is important to be discern from what may be a potentially bad idea. What may seem innocent at first may turn out to be a major conflict. Justification (ties to emerging theme):

External Conflict Struggle between a person and an outside force Example from “Those Who Don’t”: “Those who don’t know any better come into our neighborhood scared…they think we’re dangerous”(28). Emerging Theme: Sometimes people make pre- judgments about people’s appearances without truly knowing who that person is. Justification (ties to emerging theme):

Internal Conflict Mental struggle arising from opposing demands Example from “ ”: Emerging Theme: Justification (ties into emerging theme):