Understanding the Impact of Characters' Actions in Literature
Characters' actions in literature play a crucial role in moving the plot forward by causing a chain of events with significant consequences. Each action leads to a specific outcome, shaping the narrative and defining the characters' roles within the story. Through examples like Viola in "Twelfth Night," the cause-and-effect dynamics of character actions are explored, highlighting how authors purposefully construct stories to engage readers with intentional storytelling.
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HOW CHARACTERS MOVE THE PLOT FORWARD The Cause and Effect of Characters Actions
ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES I am sure you have heard this before, your actions have consequences. We base multiple decisions a day on this idea. Although you know you will be in trouble for being late, sometimes you still choose to chat with your friend in the hallway. If your friend happens to mention that your English Homework is due, and you had forgotten and left your homework in your locker, speaking with your friend could have an unforeseen beneficial consequence. By stopping at your locker on your way to class, and grabbing your assignment, you will be able to turn in your assignment. However, being late to class will also have the foreseeable consequence of being marked tardy.
RESPONSE TO LITERATURE PARAGRAPH Personality trait Personality trait causes Action Action which leads to which leads to Consequence Consequence which proves Why Why character is in the play character is in the play causes which proves
CHARACTERS ACTIONS IN LITERATURE HAVE CONSEQUENCES -Stories are intentional. They aren t real life. Someone wrote them out. They thought about what should happen in the story, and why, and then they wrote it out, probably revised it a lot and then voila, we get to read it. -So, if stories are intentional, and we assume that Shakespeare knew what he was doing, then we have to assume that all of his characters are crucial to the story. They are needed to take the story from the beginning, to the exposition, to the rising action, to the climax, down through the falling action and finally to the resolution. -Therefore every action that a character takes in a story is purposeful. The author plans for the consequences of the characters actions, this is how the characters move the plot forward.
VIOLAS ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES IN TWELFTH NIGHT Actions have consequences Action: Viola chooses to dress like a man and work for Orsino. Consequence: Since Viola chooses to dress like a man and work for Orsino, Orsino sends her to woo Olivia on his behalf. This leads to a complicated love triangle, which eventually causes two marriages.
MALVOLIOS ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES What does Malvolio do in the story? What actions does he take? What consequences do these actions lead to?
THE ACTIONS YOUR CHARACTER TAKES HAVE CONSEQUENCES IN THE PLAY Since _______________ (character) is ______________________ (personality trait or concern) he/she _____________________ (action) which leads to ____________________ (consequence). This proves that ____________ (character) is the _____________ (antagonist? Protagonist? Or?) and moves the plot forward by _________________________ (Creating conflict/problems or solving the conflict/problems or a combination of both explain).
WHY MALVOLIO TAKES THE ACTIONS THAT LEAD TO THE CONSEQUENCES Since Malvolio is ____________________ -He tells on Maria -This leads to the sub-plot in the play of Maria, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew & Fabian enacting revenge against him. Since Malvolio is _____________________ -He believes the love letter to be true. -This leads to him acting inappropriately and then being locked up as crazy.
