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Learning how to compare and contrast how different characters view the same situation or conflict.
Imagine two people standing in a sudden downpour: one is a farmer whose crops are dying of thirst, and the other is a tourist whose outdoor wedding is starting in five minutes. Are they experiencing the same event?
1. The Event: A priceless vase shatters in the living room. 2. Character A (The Child): Feels terror. They think, 'I'm going to be grounded forever!' They hide behind the sofa. 3. Character B (The Cat): Feels curiosity. They think, 'What is that shiny new toy on the floor?' They trot over to sniff the pieces. 4. The Contrast: While the event is the same, the reaction is based on the character's status (guilty human vs. innocent animal).
Quick Check
If two characters see a 'For Sale' sign on their family home, why might one feel happy while the other feels heartbroken?
Answer
Their motivations differ; one might want a fresh start in a new city, while the other values the memories and stability of the current home.
To prove that characters have different perspectives, you must become a 'textual detective.' You cannot just say they feel differently; you must cite evidence. Look for three main clues: Dialogue (what they say), Internal Monologue (what they think), and Actions (what they do). If Character A shouts 'Hooray!' while Character B clenches their fists in silence, you have found a clear contrast. In your analysis, use the formula: 'While Character A reacts with [Evidence], Character B responds with [Evidence], showing a conflict in [Perspective].' This creates a logical bridge between the text and your interpretation.
Context: A young, inexperienced sailor is named Captain of a ship. 1. Evidence (First Mate): The First Mate rolls his eyes and mutters, 'We'll be at the bottom of the sea by sunset.' (Dialogue/Action) 2. Evidence (Young Captain): The Captain grips the wheel so hard his knuckles turn white, whispering to himself, 'I will prove them all wrong.' (Action/Internal Monologue) 3. Analysis: The First Mate views the event as a threat to safety, while the Captain views it as a challenge to his worth.
Quick Check
Which type of evidence involves a character's private thoughts rather than their spoken words?
Answer
Internal Monologue.
Scenario: The school board is voting on whether to require uniforms. 1. Student A (The Artist): Opposes the rule. Motivation: Self-expression. Evidence: 'This will kill our creativity!' 2. Student B (The Victim of Bullying): Supports the rule. Motivation: Safety/Belonging. Evidence: 'Finally, people won't judge me for my old clothes.' 3. Synthesis: The conflict isn't just about clothes; it is a clash between the value of Individualism and the value of Equality.
What is the best definition of 'perspective' in literature?
Which of the following is an example of 'Internal Monologue' evidence?
Two characters can have the same perspective even if they have completely different motivations.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember the 'Perspective Equation' () and apply it to a character in the book you are currently reading.
Practice Activity
Watch a short scene from a movie. Write down how the protagonist views the problem versus how the antagonist views it. What is one piece of evidence for each?