Character Analysis and Decision Making

The video tutorial explores why characters in literature make surprising or unexpected choices, focusing on Detective Ben Price from 'The Reformation of Jimmy Valentine.' It emphasizes the importance of analyzing both main and secondary characters to fully understand the text. The lesson highlights Ben Price's unexpected decision to let Jimmy Valentine go, despite his initial intent to arrest him. This change is attributed to Jimmy's transformation from a robber to a family man, which influences Ben's actions. The tutorial outlines steps to identify and understand such character changes.

What is the main focus of this lesson regarding character choices?

• Understanding why main characters make expected choices

• Exploring why secondary characters make surprising choices

• Analyzing the setting of the story

• Discussing the author's writing style

What has Detective Ben Price been trying to do throughout the story?

• Protect Jimmy Valentine from other detectives

• Become friends with Jimmy Valentine

• Arrest Jimmy Valentine for bank robberies

• Help Jimmy Valentine escape

What is the significance of Ben Price's arrival in Elmore?

• He intends to arrest Jimmy Valentine

• He wants to warn Jimmy Valentine about another detective

• He is visiting Elmore for a vacation

• He plans to help Jimmy Valentine with a robbery

How does Ben Price react when he encounters Jimmy Valentine at the bank?

• He congratulates him on his new life

• He asks for his autograph

• He pretends not to recognize him

• He immediately arrests him

What unexpected decision does Ben Price make at the bank?

• He decides to rob the bank himself

• He arrests a different person

• He calls for backup

• He lets Jimmy Valentine go free

Why does Ben Price choose not to arrest Jimmy Valentine?

• He forgets his duty as a detective

• He sees Jimmy has become a family man

• He is bribed by Jimmy

• He is afraid of Jimmy

What event influenced Ben Price's decision to let Jimmy go?

• Jimmy's confession to the police

• Jimmy's escape from prison

• Jimmy's promise to leave town

• Jimmy saving Annabelle's niece

What is the first step in understanding a character's surprising choice?

• Discussing the author's background

• Analyzing the setting

• Identifying the surprising choice

• Predicting future actions

What should you consider when analyzing why a character's actions changed?

• The character's favorite color

• The character's age

• The change in the character's circumstances

• The author's writing style

What caused Ben Price to change his mind about arresting Jimmy?

• A change in Jimmy's behavior

• A new law passed in Elmore

• A bribe from Jimmy

• A direct order from his superior