Character and Conflict in Literature

Overview

This unit explores the dynamic relationship between character and conflict in literary works. Students will analyse how authors develop characters through various types of conflict and how these conflicts propel narratives forward. Through close reading of a novel or play, students will build skills in character analysis, thematic interpretation, and critical writing.

Key Concept

Connections — Literature connects readers to human experiences across time and place. Characters and conflicts create webs of meaning that link events, themes, and character development.

Character — The representation of individuals in literary works, including their traits, motivations, and development.
Conflict — The central struggle between opposing forces that drives plot and reveals character.
Setting — The time and place in which events occur, which shapes character and conflict.

Global Context

Identities and Relationships — How do characters' identities shape their conflicts? How do relationships influence character development and resolution of conflict?

Statement of Inquiry

Characters reveal themselves through conflict, and their development drives narrative meaning.

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

What are the four main types of conflict in literature?
How can a character be classified as protagonist, antagonist, or foil?
What techniques do authors use to develop characters?

Conceptual Questions

How does conflict serve as a tool for character revelation?
In what ways does setting influence character development and conflict?
How do different types of conflict produce different kinds of narrative meaning?

Debatable Questions

Can a story exist without conflict?
Is a character defined more by their actions or their motivations?
Does every character need to undergo change to be meaningful?

ATL Skills

Thinking Skills

Analyse how conflict reveals character traits and motivations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different conflict types in storytelling.
Synthesise information from multiple sources to build character analysis.

Communication Skills

Write analytical essays discussing character development and conflict.
Participate in structured discussions and debates about literary interpretation.
Present character analysis findings to peers using appropriate academic language.

Research Skills

Locate and cite textual evidence to support interpretations.
Compare character development across different literary works.
Gather information about authorial context and intent.

Self-Management Skills

Set personal reading goals and maintain consistent reading habits.
Develop time management strategies for completing analytical writing tasks.
Reflect on personal learning and identify areas for growth.

Content

Week 1: Understanding Character

Defining character: protagonists, antagonists, foils, and supporting characters.
Methods of characterisation: direct vs. indirect.
Character traits, motivations, and arcs.
Reading: Selected chapters from a class novel or play.

Week 2: Types of Conflict

Person vs. Person: external struggles between characters.
Person vs. Self: internal conflict and moral dilemmas.
Person vs. Society: characters against social norms or systems.
Person vs. Nature: survival and environmental challenges.
Person vs. Fate/Supernatural: cosmic or spiritual struggles.

Week 3: Conflict and Character Revealed

How characters respond to conflict reveals their true nature.
Crisis points and turning moments in narratives.
The relationship between rising action and character pressure.
Close reading exercises identifying conflict and character response.

Week 4: Character Arc and Transformation

Static vs. dynamic characters.
The hero's journey and transformation arcs.
How resolution of conflict completes character development.
Writing character analysis: thesis statements and evidence.

Week 5: Comparative Character Analysis

Comparing characters across texts.
How different authors handle similar conflict types.
Cultural and historical influences on character and conflict.
Preparing for summative assessment.

Week 6: Performance and Synthesis

Final character analysis presentations.
Peer feedback and revision.
Reflective writing on personal connections to characters.
Unit review and self-assessment.

Summative Assessment

Character Analysis Essay: Students will write a comprehensive analytical essay (800-1000 words) examining how a specific character in the class novel or play is revealed through conflict. The essay must include a clear thesis statement, textual evidence from at least three key scenes, analysis of conflict types, and discussion of character development across the narrative.

Oral Presentation: Students will deliver a 5-7 minute presentation analysing a character of their choice, using textual evidence, visual aids, and audience engagement strategies.

Formative Assessment

Weekly reading response journals focusing on character and conflict.
Character trait mapping exercises.
Conflict identification and classification activities.
Peer discussion groups with structured prompts.
Practice analytical paragraphs with teacher feedback.
Quizzes on literary terminology and concepts.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Individuals and Societies: Historical context of literary works; how societal conflicts influence literature.
Visual Arts: Character representation in visual media; storyboarding a key conflict scene.
Drama: Tableau and role-play activities exploring character motivation and conflict.
Psychology: Understanding character motivation through basic psychological frameworks.

Service as Action

Create a readers' theatre performance for younger students exploring character and conflict.
Develop a library display or reading guide featuring books with strong character development.
Write and illustrate a short story or graphic narrative for a community storytelling event.
Organise a book club discussion focused on character analysis for peers or community members.

IB Learner Profile

Inquirers: Students develop curiosity about character motivation and narrative structure.
Thinkers: Students apply critical thinking to analyse complex characters and conflicts.
Communicators: Students express interpretations clearly through writing and discussion.
Reflective: Students reflect on how literature connects to their own experiences and identities.
Open-minded: Students appreciate diverse perspectives and cultural contexts in literature.

Self-Test

Define the four main types of conflict in literature and provide an example of each.
Explain the difference between direct and indirect characterisation.
What distinguishes a dynamic character from a static character?
How does the setting of a story influence both character and conflict?
Choose a character from a book you have read and analyse how conflict reveals their personality.
Why is the protagonist called the "protagonist" and not simply the "main character"?
How does internal conflict differ from external conflict in terms of character revelation?
What role do foil characters play in highlighting a protagonist's traits?
Analyse how the resolution of a conflict affects a character's arc.
Write a short paragraph analysing how a minor character contributes to the central conflict of a narrative.