1. Character Interactions
Feature Menu
The Protagonist
The Antagonist
Conflict
Subordinate Characters
Dynamic Characters
Static Characters
Motivation
Practice

2. The Protagonist
The protagonist is the main character and the focus of readers’ attention. A good protagonist
is complicated and contradictory, like a real person
has both strengths and weaknesses
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3. The Antagonist
The antagonist is the force that blocks the protagonist from getting what he or she wants. The antagonist may be
another character
a nonhuman force
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4. Conflict
Conflict is a struggle that occurs when the protagonist must find a way to overcome or get around the antagonist.
Conflicts drive plots, create suspense, and intrigue readers.

5. Conflict
External conflict occurs between a character and some outside force, such as
another character or group of characters
the society the protagonist must live in
a force or feature of nature

6. Conflict
Internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with opposing needs, desires, or emotions. The character may
have to make a difficult decision
wrestle with fear or worry

7. Conflict Quick Check What kind of conflict does Jing- mei face?
And after seeing my mother’s disappointed face again, something inside me began to die. I hated the tests, the raised hopes and failed expectations. Before going to bed that night, I looked in the mirror above the bathroom sink and when I saw only my face staring back—and that it would always be this ordinary face—I began to cry. Such a sad, ugly girl! I made high-pitched noises like a crazed animal, trying to scratch out the face in the mirror.
from “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan
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8. Subordinate Characters
Subordinate characters populate the protagonist’s world. Their relationship with the protagonist helps
reveal the protagonist’s character
develop the plot and add complexity to the story
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9. Dynamic Characters
Dynamic characters change or grow as a result of the story’s action. They
are main characters
gain a new understanding, make an important decision, or take a crucial action
help reveal the meaning of the story
Believable changes
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10. Static Characters
Static characters are usually exactly the same as the story ends as they were when it began. They
are almost always subordinate characters
support the plot without distracting readers from the main action—the protagonist’s conflict and growth
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11. Motivation
Writers make characters believable by revealing what motivates them to act as they do. A character’s motivation
is based on his or her needs or conflicts
reveals why characters act, feel, and think as they do
must usually be inferred from clues in the story

12. Motivation Quick Check What motivates Jing-mei?
I looked at my reflection, blinking so I could see more clearly. The girl staring back at me was angry, powerful. This girl and I were the same. I had new thoughts, willful thoughts, or rather thoughts filled with lots of wont’s. I won’t let her change me, I promised myself. I won’t be what I’m not.
from “Two Kinds” by Amy Tan
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13. Practice
Data Bank
Main character:
What main character wants:
(motivation)
Relationship with subordinate
character(s)
Conflict:
Resolution:
How main character changes:
Work with a partner to analyze a short story you have recently read. Use a data bank like the one shown here.
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14. The End