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

2. Connecting with Characters
What draws readers into a story?
Vivid, complex characters whose problems and triumphs draw forth our emotions and reveal some truth about humankind.
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3. Main Characters Protagonist—the main character of a story.
The action of the story revolves around the protagonist and the conflict he or she faces.
Antagonist—the character or force the protagonist struggles against and must overcome.
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4. Subordinate Characters
Subordinate characters add depth and complication to the plot.
Main character
Friends
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5. Flat Characters versus Round Characters
have only one or two character traits that can be described in a few words
have no depth, like a piece of cardboard

6. Flat Characters versus Round Characters
have many different character traits that sometimes contradict each other
are much like real people, with several sides to their personality
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7. Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters
change or grow as a result of the story’s actions
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.

8. Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters
do not change or grow
are the same at the end of a story as they were in the beginning
Subordinate characters are often static characters.
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9. Conflict
External conflict—struggle between a character and an outside force.
character versus character
character versus society
character versus nature

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

11. Conflict Quick Check What type of conflict does the character face?
“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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12. Motivation Motivation—what drives a character’s actions. It
explains behaviors
reveals personality
is often based on character’s fears, conflicts, needs
Motivation can be inferred by observing characters’ behavior, speech, actions.
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13. Practice
Protagonist
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.
Motivation
Motivation
Internal Conflict
External conflict and antagonist
Resolution
Resolution
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14. The End