1. Character Interactions Objectives Identify protagonist, antagonist, and subordinate characters Differentiate round and flat characters Differentiate static and dynamic characters Understand and identify character motivation

2. Make sure you understand the meanings of the following words. Make a chart like the one below and fill in your understanding of each of the words. Review (this was worth 20 pts last week) Monologue Narrator Soliloquy First-person POV (point of view) Direct characterization Indirect characterization Connotation Dialogue [End of Section]

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

4. 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]

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

6. 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

7. 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]

8. 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.

9. 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]

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

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

12. 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]

13. 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

14. 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]

15. Reminders!!! Read “Thank You M’am” ASAP Read “Marigolds” for Monday You MUST have your rough draft of your short story by Tuesday “Marigold” and “Thank You M’am” quiz on Wed.

16. Think of a story you’ve read in which the protagonist faces powerful conflicts. (Equality, Rainsford, etc.) Use a chart like the one here to map out the conflicts and their resolutions, as well as the protagonist’s motivations. (20 points) Practice Protagonist Motivation Internal Conflict Resolution Motivation External conflict and antagonist Resolution [End of Section]

17. Think of a few characters you have read about this year, and fill in the chart like the one below for each character. – 10 BONUS points per chart Practice Protagonist/ Antagonist/ Support Dynamic or Static Round or Flat [End of Section]

18. The End