7 Explosive Character Elements Explained Plus Infographic
ByJustin CashUpdated
Understanding the seven essential character elements of function, purpose, objective, motivation, status, qualities, and traits is necessary to craft compelling and authentic characters in performance. These elements serve as building blocks of character development, each contributing to how a character is perceived and how they drive the plot forward.
The function and purpose of a character define their role within the story and the thematic messages they embody. When an actor fully understands their character’s objective and motivation, it provides insight into their desires and the reasons behind their actions, which adds depth to the plot and elicits emotional investment from the audience. A character’s status influences their interactions and relationships within the story, while their qualities and traits reveal a character’s inherent attributes.
Below is a detailed explanation of these seven elements actors use in character development, accompanied by supporting examples.
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1. Function
Function refers to a character’s narrative role within the story or play structure. It is about the character’s purpose in the plot and how they influence the storyline and the audience’s experience.
Examples
Protagonist: The central character who drives the plot forward. For example, Hamlet in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Antagonist: The character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict. For instance, Iago in Othello.
Mentor: Provides guidance or wisdom to the protagonist, like Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Comic Relief: Offers humour to lighten the mood, such as the Porter in Macbeth.
Foil: A character who contrasts with the protagonist to highlight particular qualities, like Dr. Watson to Sherlock Holmes.
Use
Understanding a character’s function helps recognise their purpose in the narrative’s structure and rhythm. It sheds light on:
Plot Advancement: How the character’s actions move the story forward.
Tension and Conflict: The dynamics they introduce, especially antagonists or conflicting forces.
Thematic Illustration: How their role supports the overarching themes.
Audience Engagement: The emotional responses they elicit, whether it be empathy, fear, laughter, or reflection.
2. Purpose
Purpose reflects the thematic or symbolic reason for a character’s inclusion in the story. It often ties into more significant messages, social critiques, or philosophical ideas the playwright wishes to convey.
Examples
Symbol of Innocence: Characters like Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird represent purity and the loss of innocence.
Challenger of Norms: Nora Helmer in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House challenges the social expectations of women at the time.
Embodiment of Ideals: Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird embodies justice and moral integrity.
Mirror to Society: Characters who reflect society’s flaws, such as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, highlighting the pitfalls of the American Dream.
Use
Exploring a character’s purpose allows us to delve into:
Thematic Depth: Understanding how they contribute to the narrative’s deeper meanings.
Symbolism: Recognising what they represent beyond their literal role (function).
Moral and Ethical Questions: How their journey prompts the audience to consider complex issues.
Objective refers to the character’s specific, tangible goal or desire in a particular scene or throughout the narrative.
Examples
Seeking Forgiveness: Jean Valjean in Les Misérables aims to redeem himself.
Proving Themselves: Mulan strives to honour her family by succeeding in battle.
Discovering the Truth: Oedipus seeks to uncover the cause of the plague in Thebes, unknowingly sealing his fate, in Oedipus the King.
Gaining Acceptance: Rudolph in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer wants to be part of the group.
Use
Objectives provide:
Direction and Urgency: Driving the character’s actions and decisions.
Scene Dynamics: Shifting objectives can change the energy and focus of scenes.
Conflict Creation: When objectives clash with other characters’, tension arises.
4. Motivation
Motivation is the character element that encompasses the underlying reasons driving behaviour and decisions—the “why” behind their actions and desires.
Examples
Revenge: As seen with Edmond Dantès in The Count of Monte Cristo.
Love: Romeo and Juliet’s actions are driven by their love for each other.
Ambition: Macbeth’s thirst for power leads to his downfall.
Survival: Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games is motivated by the need to protect herself and her family.
Belonging: Elphaba in Wicked seeks acceptance in a world that ostracises her.
Use
Understanding motivation helps in:
Character Depth: Revealing complexities and internal conflicts.
Believability: Making characters’ actions feel justified and authentic.
Emotional Resonance: Allowing the audience to connect with the character’s struggles and desires.
5. Status
Status describes a character’s social standing, power dynamics, or relative position within the world of the story.
Examples
High Social Status: King Lear, whose authority affects all those around him.
Low Social Status:Cinderella before her transformation.
Professional Status: Dr. Jekyll’s respected position versus Mr. Hyde’s feared presence.
Economic Status: The stark contrast between Jay Gatsby’s wealth and the poverty of the Wilsons in The Great Gatsby.
Use
Status influences:
Power Dynamics: How characters interact based on their relative status.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Affects confidence, deference, and assertiveness.
Social Commentary: Highlights class structures and social issues
6. Qualities
Qualities are inherent attributes that define a character’s deeper essence, often relating to their moral or ethical nature. Qualities are internal.
Examples
Integrity: Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockinbgbird consistently upholds his principles.
Resilience: Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice faces social pressures with strength.
Pride: Achilles in The Iliad is driven by his pride, affecting his choices.
Empathy: Samwise Gamgee’s compassion supports Frodo’s journey in The Lord of the Rings.
Use
Qualities help in:
Understanding Values: What the character stands for and believes in.
Predicting Behaviour: How they might react in various situations.
Character Development: Observing how qualities evolve or are tested.
7. Traits
Traits are observable character elements – personality markers or habitual behaviours that influence a character’s interactions and responses. Traits are external.
Examples
Impulsiveness: Mercutio’s quick reactions in Romeo and Juliet.
Stubbornness: Antigone’s unwavering commitment to her beliefs.
Humour: Benedick and Beatrice’s witty banter in Much Ado About Nothing.
Anxiety: Willy Loman’s constant worry in Death of a Salesman.
Use
Traits contribute to:
Relatability: Making characters feel real and multi-dimensional.
Consistency: Providing a framework for behaviour that audiences can anticipate.
Character Contrast: Highlighting differences between characters.
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Really look forward to using this!
Awesome!
Excellent resource for VCE Theatre Studies, but also very informative for anyone learning how to analyse and develop characters. Thankyou!!