CLASS: SENIOR THREE
COURSE CONTENTS
UNIT I: REVIEW OF KEY ASPECTS OF PROSE
UNIT II: PLOT DEVELOPMENT
UNIT III: TONE, ATMOSPHERE AND PURPOSE
UNIT IV: TYPES OF POETRY AND POEMS
UNIT V: POETIC DEVICES
UNIT VI: CONTEXT AND PLOT DEVELOPMENT
UNIT VII: CHARACTER, SUBJECT MATTER AND THEMES
UNIT VIII: STYLE, MOOD AND ATMOSPHERE.
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UNIT VII: CHARACTER, SUBJECT MATTER AND THEMES
VII.0. INTRODUCTION
Plays are made of conversations and stage directions of characters. Within these conversations, the playwright put across the intended themes, which are reflected by the topics/subject matter of discussion.
VII.1. CHARACTERS IN A PLAY
Characters are people, animals or things that play a part in a play. It is the characters that will deliver the intended message. Characters should suit their roles as they represent real people in life so that they attract the interest of the audience.
In a play, there is the protagonist and the antagonist character and the conflict in the play is built around them.
a. The protagonist
The protagonist is the central character who represents good intentions in a play. Note that the protagonist can also be a bad guy depending on the circumstances or the message that the playwright wishes to highlight. This character tends to confront or to struggle with the antagonist.
b. The antagonist
The antagonist is referred to the main/central character who is a rival and places the obstacles or opposes the protagonist. He/she is a main character that portrays bad intentions. Note that the antagonist can also be referred to any circumstance or object that is anti the protagonist.
Other types of characters in a play
Confidante is someone in whom the central character confides/trust, thus revealing the main character’s personality, thoughts and intentions. The confidante does not need to be a person.
Dynamic character is a character who changes during the course of a play. Sometimes a dynamic character is called a developing character.
Flat character is a character who reveals only one or two personality traits in a play, and the traits do not change.
Foil character is a character that is used to enhance another character through contrast.
Round character refers to a well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits. Round characters are usually dynamic.
Static character is a character that remains primarily the same throughout a play.
VII.2. SUBJECT MATTER IN A PLAY
It is the broad topic or idea that the playwright addresses or a topic, which acts as a foundation for a play. It is also the broad topic of a literary work.
VII.3. THEMES IN A PLAY
The theme is referred to the main message, derived from the broad topic, that characters and the events in a play communicate to the readers. It is also the central/ main idea of the play.
Differentiating a subject matter from a theme
- The subject matter can be war while the theme can be the consequences of war.
- Where we have Christmas as a subject matter, the theme can be giving and being generous during Christmas.
- If love is a subject matter, true love can be a theme.
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