Character Interactions

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

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 [End of Section]

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 [End of Section]

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.

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

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

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 [End of Section]

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 [End of Section]

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 [End of Section]

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 [End of Section]

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

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 [End of Section]

Practice Work with a partner to analyze a short story you have recently read. Use a data bank like the one shown here. [End of Section]

The End

Character Interactions