Static or Dynamic
A character that stays the same or goes through little change throughout a story.
Static
What do we call the main character that is being followed in a story?
protagonist
Even though the storm was howling and the power went out, Maya grabbed her flashlight, checked on her little brother, and began organizing a game of cards to keep him calm.
Which trait best describes Maya?
The new student sat at the back of the room with his shoulders hunched, his hood pulled low over his eyes, and his hands stuffed deep into his pockets.
Based on his appearance, what can you infer about the student?
In the Pixar Short "Geri's Game", who does Geri play chess with and what does it represent?
A) his best friend. It means his friendly and social.
B) himself. It represents his creativity and resilience in finding companionship with himself and entertainment despite being alone.
C) himself. It represents the terribleness of depression and being alone.
D) his grandson. It represents the importance of family and having someone take care of you as you age.
B) himself. It represents his creativity and resilience in finding companionship with himself and entertainment despite being alone.
Dynamic
Who is the person, group, force, or idea that opposes the protagonist?
antagonist
Which of the following is a character trait rather than a temporary emotion?
When the waiter accidentally spilled water on her dress, Mrs. Higgins didn't frown. Instead, she laughed, told him it was 'just a little extra hydration,' and left him a 30% tip.
Which trait best describes Mrs. Higgins based on her actions?
At the beginning of the short "Snack Attack", the elderly woman is angry and aggressive toward the teenager because she believes he is being disrespectful and greedy. By the very end of the film, after she boards the train and looks in her bag, her expression completely changes.
Based on this shift, which statement best describes why the woman is a dynamic character?
At the start of the story, Marcus is terrified of public speaking and avoids it at all costs. After being forced to join the debate team to pass his class, he discovers a passion for arguing his point and ends the year by winning the state championship with a confident final speech.
What type of character is Marcus?
In most stories, what is the primary job of the antagonist?
If a character is described as arrogant, which action would they most likely take?
As the coach announced the team captains, Jordan thought to himself, "I hope Leo gets it. He worked harder than anyone this summer, even if I want the spot too."
What do Jordan’s thoughts reveal about his character?
Throughout the short "Bao", the mother is extremely protective of the dumpling, often stopping him from playing soccer or going out with friends. When the "dumpling son" finally tries to move out with his fiancée, the mother's reaction is intense and emotional.
What does the mother’s internal conflict and her relationship with the dumpling represent?
In the story Cinderella, the Wicked Stepmother begins the story as a cruel, jealous woman who treats Cinderella poorly. By the end of the story, she is still a cruel, jealous woman who is angry that Cinderella married the Prince.
This makes the Stepmother a:
Sasha is working hard to win the school science fair so she can earn a scholarship. However, her classmate, Leo, is jealous of her project and keeps hiding her supplies to make sure she doesn't finish on time.
In this story, who is the protagonist?
A writer tells you: "Officer Miller was a stingy man who never spent a penny more than he had to."
What method did the author use to show Officer Miller's traits?
Chloe arrived at the meeting fifteen minutes early with a color-coded notebook, three sharpened pencils, and a printed itinerary for everyone.
Which set of traits best describes Chloe?
At the start of the short "Loop", Marcus is frustrated because Renee won't follow his directions or paddle the way he wants. By the end of the trip, Marcus stops trying to control the boat and instead begins to communicate using Renee’s favorite sounds and gestures.
What does this change reveal about Marcus as a dynamic character?
In a story, a character named Leo starts as a shy, quiet student who always wears hoodies. By the end of the story, Leo has won the lottery, moved into a mansion, and now wears expensive designer suits. However, he is still just as shy and quiet as he was on page one.
Is Leo a dynamic or static character?
Which of the following is an example of a story where the antagonist is not a person?
“I don’t care if it takes all night,” Sarah whispered, rubbing her tired eyes as she re-read the difficult chapter for the third time. “I am going to understand this before the sun comes up.”
What trait does Sarah demonstrate?
“I can’t believe I failed that test,” Liam muttered, kicking a stray pebble across the pavement. “I’m such a failure.”
Which two methods is the author using to show Liam’s character?
Pixar shorts like Boundin', Piper, and The Blue Umbrella often feature characters who face a major problem, fail at first, and then find a creative way to succeed.
What is the most important reason Pixar uses these short films to deliver "universal themes"?