Module 4: Structure of a dramatic work
4.4. Character types, motivation

Protagonist - the main character or heroine of the story, with whom the reader or viewer empathizes and empathizes. He or she is often the plot driver and takes a major role in the development of the story. Usually, the protagonist faces some problem or challenge, and the story develops around his attempts to overcome it.

Example of a protagonist: Harry Potter in the Harry Potter series of books about the wizard. His task is to defeat Voldemort and protect the wizarding world.

The antagonist, on the other hand, stands in the way of the protagonist. Antagonist - a character who confronts the protagonist and represents an obstacle or conflict in the development of the plot. The antagonist often has opposing goals, beliefs, or interests compared to the protagonist.

Example of an antagonist: Sauron in The Lord of the Rings. His goal is to take over the universe, and he is an obstacle for Frodo and his friends.

There are also dynamic and static characters. Dynamic characters go through changes over the course of the story. They can change their views, character, or even goals.

Example of a dynamic character: Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. She may be biased in the beginning, but the events of the novel change her views and feelings.

Static characters, on the other hand, remain roughly the same throughout the story.

Example of a static character: Dr. John Watson in the Sherlock Holmes stories. His character remains mostly constant, while Holmes displays a dynamic.

These types of characters’ help create diverse and interesting stories, adding depth and tension to the narrative.

Character motivation in drama is the process of identifying the causes and stimuli that drive characters and influence their actions and behavior in a play. Proper character motivation plays an important role in creating credibility, plot development, and emotional depth in a dramatic work. Let's look at several aspects related to the motivation of characters in drama.

1. Goals and desires:

Each character should have their own goals and desires that motivate their actions. A good playwright should ask, " What does this character crave? What does he want to achieve?" Clearly defined goals will help the character make decisions and make plans, which makes their actions more plausible.

The characters ' desires can be related to various aspects of life: love, power, goal achievement, salvation, or justice. Identifying strong and motivational desires supports the emotional and psychological depth of the character.

2. Internal conflicts:

Often, characters have internal conflicts that can affect their motivation and actions. This can be a struggle with internal contradictions, doubts, internal demons, or opposition to internal desires and responsibilities.

Internal conflicts can add complexity and emotional intensity to characters, making them more interesting and realistic. It can also help them develop and grow during the dramatic process.

3. External circumstances:

External circumstances such as events, the environment, other characters, and social factors can also influence the characters ' motivation. They can create obstacles, cause conflicts, or provide new opportunities for development.

Studying the interaction of characters with external circumstances helps determine their reactions and actions in response to a change in circumstances. This enriches and diversifies the dramatic structure and creates interesting situations.

4. Consequence of past events:

Characters ' past events, experiences, and injuries can also influence their motivation and actions. Traumatic events or unfinished business can serve as important incentives for the character's actions.

Revealing a character's past allows us to understand their driving forces and understand why they do so in the present. This creates depth and complexity in understanding the character and their motivational factors.

Character motivation plays an important role in dramaturgy. Well-motivated characters make a dramatic work more convincing, emotionally rich and interesting for the audience. A clear definition of goals, internal conflicts, external circumstances, and the consequences of past events helps to create layers and depth in the development of characters, making them more realistic and recognizable.