Collection 3:

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. 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.