1. Collection 3:
Characters in Motion

2. Conflict There are three main types of conflict:
When two or more characters have opposing goals or interests.
When a character’s goal is opposed by circumstances or the environment.
When a character’s goals are held back by the character’s nature.

3. Two Categories of Conflict
External- a conflict between a character and other character or the environment.
Internal- a conflict between a character and his/her own personality and values.

4. Protagonist The main character of a story.
Often called the “hero” or “heroine” in a story.

5. Antagonist
The character or force of nature that opposes the protagonist.
Often this is called the “villain” or “villainess” in a story.

6. Subordinate Character
Minor characters.
These characters mainly help move the plot along.
EXAMPLES: Tracy (Initiation), Ivan (TMDG), The Announcer (Harrison Bergeron), Elizabeth’s Mother (Marigolds), Madame Forestier (The Necklace).

7. Flat Character A character with only one or two character traits.
EXAMPLE: Bev (Initiation), Whitney (TMDG), The Ballerina (Harrison Bergeron), John Burke (Marrigolds), The Cab Driver (The Necklace).

8. Round Character A complex character with many traits.
Usually the protagonist or antagonist.
EXAMPLE: Milicent (Initiation), Rainsford (TMDG), Roger (Thank You Ma’am), Von Gradwitz (Interlopers), Mathilde (The Necklace).

9. Characters that change during the story.
Dynamic Characters
Characters that change during the story.

10. Static Character
Characters that do not change during a story.

11. Motivation
What drives a character’s actions and desires.

12. Meaning The central message or moral lesson a story tries to teach.
Sometimes called a Theme or Premise.