Motivation
What is character motivation?
What drives a character’s actions- the reason why they do things, what gets them out of bed in the morning
What is a static trait?
What is a dynamic trait?
A character trait that changes
Name an event that shows Odysseus as level headed and determined
Lotus Fruit or Cattle of the Sun
TRUE OR FALSE: Arthur cares more about the lives of others than his own
TRUE
What is Odysseus' main character motivation?
To return home to his wife, son, and kingdom
Odysseus is consistently clever throughout his journey home. Name THREE things he does that show his cleverness.
Tricking Polyphemus (blinding, crawling under the sheep, no-body atall), white moly flowers to stop Circe, passed Penelope's test about the bed in the tree.
What is Odysseus' most notable dynamic trait?
Faithfulness- he is devoted to his wife, but lapses when he is on Circe's island
What catastrophic decision defines Odysseus as a leader?
His choice to sacrifice his own men to Scylla without telling them
TRUE OR FALSE: Arthur is excited and can hardly contain himself when he finds out he is descended from King Uther Pendragon
FALSE
What is King Arthur's main character motivation?
Fellowship- his biggest desire is to be around those he feels a brotherhood with
One of Odysseus' static traits is his pride/arrogance. Give an example of when his pridefulness led to bigger problems.
Shouting his true name to the cyclops, trying to face the sirens without beeswax, his men no longer trust him after Scylla and eat the sacred cattle
One of Odysseus' dynamic traits is his humility. Give an example of a moment when Odysseus was humble.
Humble- declining Calypso's offer of immortality, appearing as a beggar in his own kingdom, accepting the help of others to take him home following the destruction of his ships
Which plot point was where Odysseus started to take a turn for the worse as a leader?
When he hid the bag of winds and seeds of mistrust were planted
TRUE OR FALSE: Arthur secretly wishes to end the war with Lancelot even though it would cost him his honor.
TRUE
Unity and fellowship are symbolized by what in the legend of King Arthur?
The round table
Not killing Mordred as an infant, fighting Sir Pellinor with no helmet, facing the giant alone, marrying Guinevere despite Merlin's warnings, leaving Britain in the care of Mordred, sending the same person to throw the sword in the lake after betraying him twice, jumping into the lake with a mortal wound
One of King Arthur's dynamic traits is his desire for revenge. Explain why this trait is inconsistent.
He does not want to punish Lancelot, but his need to defend his honor and the betrayal he feels anger and sadden him as well. He is only bent on revenge when Gawain is behind him and would otherwise get over it.
**BONUS POINTS if you mentioned Gawain**
How does Odysseus reach Calypso’s island after Poseidon’s storm?
With help from Athena
TRUE or FALSE: Arthur is stupid and had no idea Lancelot and Guinevere were having an affair
FALSE
Which two motivations come into conflict for King Arthur?
Honor, Glory, Fellowship, Loyalty
Fellowship and Honor- wants to keep his friends, but can’t suffer humiliation (the reason he must punish Lancelot's treason)
Glory-seeking
One of King Arthur's dynamic traits is his honor. Explain how this trait is inconsistent.
He prioritizes honor almost as much as he does fellowship, but only when things are brought to public attention (in the case of Lancelot and his wife's affair).
What is Odysseus' most important characteristic?
Cleverness
TRUE OR FALSE: Arthur is consistently loyal to everyone in his life
FALSE Guinevere (his wife) is almost killed for treason twice