The Protagonist

The Antagonist

Conflict

Subordinate Characters

Dynamic Characters

Static Characters

Motivation

Practice

Character Interactions

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The protagonist is the main character and the focus of readers’ attention. A good protagonist

The Protagonist

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• is complicated and contradictory, like a real person

• has both strengths and weaknesses

The Antagonist

The antagonist is the force that blocks the protagonist from getting what he or she wants. The antagonist may be

• a nonhuman force

• another character

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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.

External conflict occurs between a character and some outside force, such as

Conflict

• a force or feature of nature

• the society the protagonist must live in

• another character or group of characters

Internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with opposing needs, desires, or emotions. The character may

Conflict

• wrestle with fear or worry

• have to make a difficult decision

Conflict

What kind of conflict does Jing-mei face?

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Quick CheckAnd 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

Subordinate Characters

Subordinate characters populate the protagonist’s world. Their relationship with the protagonist helps

• develop the plot and add complexity to the story

• reveal the protagonist’s character

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Dynamic characters change or grow as a result of the story’s action. They

Dynamic Characters

• are main characters

• gain a new understanding, make an important decision, or take a crucial action

• help reveal the meaning of the story

[End of Section]Believable changes

Static characters are usually exactly the same as the story ends as they were when it began. They

Static Characters

• 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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Writers make characters believable by revealing what motivates them to act as they do. A character’s motivation

Motivation

• reveals why characters act, feel, and think as they do

• must usually be inferred from clues in the story

• is based on his or her needs or conflicts

Motivation

What motivates Jing-mei?

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Quick CheckI 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

Work with a partner to analyze a short story you have recently read. Use a data bank like the one shown here.

Practice

Data Bank

Main character:

What main character wants:(motivation)

Relationship with subordinate character(s)

Conflict:

Resolution:

How main character changes:

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