Structural Context of Drama as Film: Characters and Characterization

Structural Context of Drama as Film

• This lesson, identified as Lesson $2$, explores the structural context of drama when presented through the medium of film.

• The content is subdivided into two primary investigative areas:

  • $1.$ Characters

  • $2.$ Characterization

Defining Characters

• Personnel of the Narrative: Characters include the protagonists, the antagonists, and the supporting cast within a story.

• Function in the Story: They are the entities who make decisions, influence the trajectory of the plot, and inhabit the fictional universe established by the writers, directors, and the production crew.

• Identification of Roles:

  • Protagonist: This character plays the leading role in a fictional work and is commonly referred to as the main character.

  • Antagonist: On the contrary, the character who opposes the protagonist is known as the antagonist or the opponent.

The Four Main Types of Character

Character classification is based on two core spectrums: development (flat vs. round) and growth (static vs. dynamic).

• $1.$ Flat Character

• $2.$ Round Character

• $3.$ Static Character

• $4.$ Dynamic Character

Analysis of Character Development Types

• Flat Characters:

  • Definition: A flat character possesses only one or two clear traits.

  • Complexity: This character is simple and does not exhibit much depth.

  • Stability: They maintain consistent views or attitudes throughout the narrative.

  • Narrative Purpose: Their static nature and consistency allow the protagonist's metamorphosis (significant change) to become apparent to the viewer.

  • Example: A faithful buddy or sidekick who exists exclusively to facilitate the hero's journey.

• Round Characters:

  • Definition: A round character is a more realistic and fully developed entity.

  • Complexity: This type of character displays many sides to their personality, emotions, and internal thoughts.

Characterization: Concepts and Methods

Characterization is the methodology regarding how a character is shown or presented to the audience. It specifically reveals three facets of the character:

• Personality

• Thoughts

• Behavior

Techniques for Revealing Character

There are four specific methods highlighted for revealing character traits and identity:

• Describing their looks: Explicitly showing or describing physical appearance.

• Showing emotions and thoughts: Providing insight into the character’s internal mental and emotional state.

• Showing strengths and weaknesses: Illustrating what the character is capable of and where they fail or struggle.

• Showing reactions of other characters: Using the way external characters perceive or interact with the individual to reveal that individual's nature.

Examples and Interactive Components

• Visual Analysis Task: The lesson includes an exercise to "Characterize the man in the pictures" based on visual cues.

• Cinematic Case Study: The film "Geri's Game" is utilized as a primary example to illustrate the concepts of personality, thoughts, behavior, and character revelation.

Technical Metadata

• Source Format: Mobile Messenger interface (cdn.fbsbx.com).

• Status Information:

  • Time: $8:02\,PM$

  • Battery Level: $84\%$

  • Connection Status: No SIM