Character Study

Character Study

Traits and Conflicts

Protagonist

• Main character

• Usually good, but does NOT have to be

• Makes mistakes

• Learns Lessons

Aladdin isn't perfect, but he is the protagonist.

Antagonist

• A person, group of people, or force

• Works against the protagonist (main character)

• Causes the conflict that starts the rising action

Jaffar is an antagonist. (AKA the villain)

Multiple Choice

The main character of a story is called...

• protagonist

• antagonist

• hero

• villain

Multiple Choice

The person or force causing a problem or conflict is called...

• protagonist

• antagonist

• hero

Static Characters

• Sometimes called "flat" characters

• Do NOT experience change

• For example: Road Runner and Coyote

• Another example: Sylvester and Tweety

Dynamic Characters

• Sometimes called "round" characters

• Experience CHANGE throughout the plot of the story

• For example: Sully from Monsters Inc.

Multiple Select

Which characters are static (flat)? pick 3

• Woody (Toy Story)

• Road Runner

• Dory

• Shrek

• Sylvester (cat)

Multiple Select

Which characters are dynamic (round)? pick 3

• Woody (Toy Story)

• Road Runner

• Nemo

• Shrek

• Sylvester (cat)

Physical Traits

• Sometimes called "outside" traits

• Usually directly stated (reader doesn't have to think)

• How the character looks

• For example: Harry Potter's scar

• Another example: Captain Hook's missing arm

Personality Traits

• Sometimes called "inside" traits

• Actions: how the character behaves and reacts to other characters & situations

• Includes the characters feelings and emotions

• Inner thoughts

• Reader has to THINK and sometimes INFER to find these traits

Multiple Select

Which are physical (outside) traits that describe Genie?

• Funny

• Blue

• Wears cuff bracelets

• No legs

• Helpful

Multiple Select

Which are personality (inside) traits that describe Genie?

• Funny

• Magic

• Wears cuff bracelets

• No legs

• Helpful

4 Types of Character Conflict

The struggle is real!😀

Internal Conflict

• Man versus Self

• Character struggles with his/her own identity

External Conflict

• Man versus Man

• Conflict is with another character's actions, reactions or motivation

External Conflict

• Man versus Nature

• Conflict is with something beyond human control

• For example: Conflict can be weather related like a hurricane, tornado, or drought

External Conflict

• Man versus Society

• Protagonist views are different than what is acceptable to most people around them

Multiple Choice

What type of conflict?

• Man vs. Man

• Man vs. Nature

• Man vs. Society

• Man vs. Self