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Character
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Define and describe the three different types of plot used in drama;
2. Describe the plot and characters in The Importance of Being Earnest;
and
3. Explain what characters are and the different kinds of characters.
INTRODUCTION
The full impact of drama is experienced when its plot is well acted out by the
characters. If the plot is not fully fleshed out, or if the characters are not properly
developed, the audience may experience a ÂvoidÊ or gaps in their apprehension of
the big picture.
Imagine if you were to watch a movie in which the characters are not fully
explained or developed. How would you feel? Would it not give you a sense of
emptiness or dissatisfaction that you are not able to know a character deeper?
Similarly, if you were to watch a movie where the plot is not fully developed,
you would feel a sense of loss and bewilderment (and probably upset that you
wasted your time watching the show in the first place!).
Topic 2 explores plot and character in drama with the reference to and The
Importance of Being Earnest, a famous play by Oscar Wilde, which forms the text
for this module.
TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER ! 21
You are strongly advised to read the full text of The Importance of Being Earnest
before proceeding. The text is easily available in good bookstores. Alternatively,
you may wish to access it online. Download and print it out from the following
website: http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/844.
You may also read the full script of Importance of Being Earnest and other plays,
published by Random House, 2004 from the OUM ebrary.
Before we review the different types of plot and character, let us look at Oscar
Wilde, the writer of The Importance of Being Earnest, the drama text that is used
in this module.
Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854 (see Figure 2.1). He probably learned to
appreciate intellectual and witty conversations from his early contacts with
intellectuals because his parents (his father was a doctor and his mother
established a literary salon) allowed him and his sibling to mingle and eat with
the familyÊs guests (who were often artists, intellectuals and internationally
known doctors).
Oscar Wilde wrote poems and published a collection of fairy-stories, The Happy
Prince and other stories (1888) and A House of Pomegranates (1891). He wrote
“imaginative” and “witty plays” (Christopher, 1999) such as Vera (1883) and The
Duchess of Padua (1891). The Importance of Being Earnest, published in 1895 is
considered as his most important and popular work.
22 TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER
In the late 19th century, Wilde was sentenced to two years of prison for a sexual
infraction. During his imprisonment, he wrote a dramatic monologue and
autobiography, De Profundis. He was released in 1897, after which he wrote The
Ballad of Reading Gaol which addresses his concern for poor and inhumane
prison conditions.
E. M. Forster, in his book Aspects of the Novel (1927) defines plot as the causal
and logical structure of the events in a text. These events, according to Forster,
constitute the story. He gave the following examples to illustrate the difference
between story and plot:
In other words, plot does not only tell what event happened, it tells why the
event happened. There are many different ways of structuring the plot. Let us
look at three different types of plot.
The plot may consist of a series of disconnected events. Such a plot is called
episodic plot. There is usually an extensive period of time in an episodic plot
which may also involve a lot of characters. There is also a series of “ups and
TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER ! 23
downs” in the life of the main character. The episodic plot may move from one
incident to another incident without necessary or probable cause or which are
not interconnected or interrelated.
Do you remember Star Wars? (see Figure 2.2). The episodes in this movie are
examples of the monomyth type of plot. There is Luke Skywalker who is called
to become a Jedi knight so as to overcome the evil Emperor and his right hand
man, Darth Vader. Do you remember the supreme ordeal he had to go through
fighting with Darth Vader, who turned out to be his father? Luke manages to
overcome the Dark Force and returns to society, as played out in Episode VI.
Another type of plot is in medias res (in the middle of things), in which the
beginning of the story starts from the verge of some important action (or
beginning the story from the middle of the action). An example of this type of
plot is HomerÊs Odyssey in which one first learns about the hero who is held
captive in an island, even though one learns later that before being held captive,
he had already gone through a greater part of his journey.
Do note that some critics have argued that the distinction between plot and story
is artificial and has no practical use in the study of literature. Nonetheless, for the
purpose of this module, just be aware that plot refers to how one event affects
another. It explains “why” certain events happen in a story.
24 TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER
ACTIVITY 2.1
For example:
For the exposition, what does the reader know before the start of the
play? (Read Act 1)
Figure 2.3: Gustav Freytag was a German dramatist and novelist in the 19th century
Exposition is when the characters are introduced. For a plot to be good, the
characters are usually involved in some form of conflict or problem. Then,
further issues are introduced to further complicate the conflict or problem. This
part is called complicating action. Tension from the complicating action rises
until it reaches a climax. The subsequent events after this climax form the falling
action. The resolution (or denouement) occurs when the complex situations are
resolved.
26 TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER
Act 1
In the first act, Algernon Moncrieff or Algy, a rich young man is introduced. His
aunt (Lady Bracknell) and her daughter (Gwendolen) are coming for a visit.
However, AlgyÊs friend, Jack, arrives first. Algy is curious that Jack announces
himself as “Ernest”. Jack reveals that he plans to propose marriage to
Gwendolen. Jack explains that in the countryside he is known as Jack but when
he goes to the city for fun, he uses the name “Ernest”.
Algy also comes to know of JackÊs ward, Cecily. Algy confesses that he too uses
deception such as giving the excuse that he is going to visit an imaginary invalid
friend when he leaves the city.
Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen arrive. Algy apologises to his aunt that he cannot
attend her reception party as he has to visit his (imaginary) invalid friend. When
Algy distracts Lady Bracknell in another room, Jack proposes to Gwendolen.
Gwendolen accepts but confesses that she prefers to marry a man by the name of
Earnest as it sounds aristocratic (“Jack” it seems to her sounds too common).
Lady Bracknell enters and does not accept the proposal as she finds Jack lacking
in social status. They leave. But later Gwendolen returns and asks for JackÊs
address in the country. Algy overhears and writes the address. He is curious
about Cecily (JackÊs ward) and intends to find out more about her.
Act 2
In the second act, Miss Prism is introduced. She is Cecily CardewÊs governess.
Miss Prism is teaching Cecily. Miss Prism praises Jack as a sensible man but
condemns his brother Ernest as wicked. Reverend Canon Chasuble arrives and
takes the opportunity to walk with Miss Prism in the garden as the reverend is
interested in her.
TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER ! 27
While they are gone, Algy arrives and pretends to be JackÊs wicked brother,
“Ernest”. Algy is attracted to CecilyÊs beauty and plans to know more of her
during the weekend before Jack arrives on a Monday. However, Jack returns
early in mourning clothes, pretending that his brother has died. He is shocked
when he learns that Algy is there, posing as his brother (who is supposed to have
died). He wants to send Algy back to London, but Algy plans to stay as he is in
love with Cecily. Algy proposes to Cecily. Cecily says that she has always
wanted to marry someone by the name of ÂErnestÊ.
This results in a tense situation. Both the men arrive and attempt to straighten
out the complex situation. Even more complex, it turns out that Jack is truly
AlgernonÊs older brother. It seems that when Jack was a baby, he was taken for a
walk by his governess, Miss Prism, during which, she lost him.
Now that you have read a short synopsis of the story, let us trace the plot of The
Importance of Being Earnest based on FreytagÊs Pyramid.
In the exposition stage, who are the characters that are introduced? How do the
characters get into a complicated situation? What further activities or actions
contribute to this complicating situation?
ACTIVITY 2.2
The major conflict that arises in the play is related to John Worthing
(“Ernest”) who wants to marry an aristocratic lady, Gwendolen but this is
not approved by Lady Bracknell. How does John try to resolve this issue?
Do you know which part of the play is the climatic situation? It is when the
women confront the men when they realise that both go by the name of Ernest
Worthing. The men confess and the women retreat.
28 TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER
EXERCISE 2.1
Read the following excerpt from Act 2 of The Importance of Being
Earnest and answer the question below:
Cecily: Are you called Algernon?
Algernon: I cannot deny it.
Cecily: Oh!
Gwendolen: Is your name really John?
Jack: [Standing rather proudly.]
I could deny it if I liked. I could deny anything if I liked. But my name
certainly is John. It has been John for years.
Cecily: [To Gwendolen.]
A gross deception has been practised on both of us.
Gwendolen: My poor wounded Cecily!
Cecily: My sweet wronged Gwendolen!
[Ú]
Jack: [Slowly and hesitatingly.]
Gwendolen - Cecily - it is very painful for me to be forced to speak the
truth. It is the first time in my life that I have ever been reduced to such a
painful position, and I am really quite inexperienced in doing anything of
the kind. However, I will tell you quite frankly that I have no brother
Ernest. I have no brother at all. I never had a brother in my life, and I
certainly have not the smallest intention of ever having one in the future.
Question: How do you think Cecily reacts to JackÊs explanation?
The falling action follows. Miss Prism, who took care of Jack when he was a
baby, had mistakenly abandoned Jack. He is later discovered to be AlgernonÊs
elder brother. This is where the resolution occurs. Jack can now marry
Gwendolen since he is by birth, a member of the aristocrat. Moreover, he has
more or less been telling the truth: that he has a brother after all (remember that
earlier on, Jack pretended that he had a brother).
2.5 CHARACTERISATION
The best plot in the world is useless if you donÊt populate them with characters
that audience can care about.
Jeffrey Deaver
TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER ! 29
Plot is put into action by the characters. Without good characterisation, the plot
may fall flat or leave the audience bewildered. In other words, characters give life
and soul to the plot. They are in a sense the medium through which the audience
sees the thoughts, ideas and issues that emerge in the play.
Characterisation is tied closely to the theme or issues that emerge in the play.
For example, if the play is about patience and humility, the characters are set or
placed in circumstances that compel them to act accordingly action that will
portray patience and humility (or the lack of them).
The major character is the principal character in a play. Generally, the audience
hears and sees more of the major character than a minor character. The major
character also has great influence on the plot of the story, i.e. the outcome of the
story hinges on the major character. On the other hand, if the character has very
little influence on the plot, the character is considered a minor character.
ACTIVITY 2.3
Who do you think are the main characters in The Importance of Being
Earnest? Why?
Usually, minor characters are flat as they serve a single purpose in the drama.
Flat characters may also become stock characters in which stereotypical
characteristics are portrayed such as “the dumb blonde”, “the mean stepfather”
or “the brave handsome hero”.
ACTIVITY 2.4
Characters can also be categorised as stock or foil characters. Stock characters are
recognisable stereotypes such as the mad scientist, the straight-shooting law
officer or the psychopathic criminal genius. They appear in several stories so they
become familiar to the reader or the audience. For example, if you have seen the
character of the mad scientist in one drama, you probably would be able to guess
the role of the mad scientist in another drama.
When a character brings the contrast or similarities of the main character, that
character is called a foil character. A foil character is usually a minor character
but he or she can also be the major character. The foil characterÊs role is to
highlight or make clearer and visible the characterisation of the main character.
To study characters in a drama text, you must first read through the text. Then,
1. Keep an eye out for the characters that appear. Determine who the central
characters are.
2. Find out what the characters say about each other in the play (for example,
what does Jack say about Lady Bracknell?).
3. Find out how the characters are related to each other. How do they interact
and motivate each other to do something?
4. Look out for the charactersÊ style, dressing and gestures.
It is through JackÊs dialogues that the reader sees Oscar WildeÊs literary
creativity. Jack gives witty lines and says “the opposite of what is known to be
true” (Van Kirk, 2004). It is also through his dressing of the funeral garb for his
fake, imaginary brother and the story about the French maid that show JackÊs
“wit and rebelliousness to recognise the ridiculous nature of trivial Victorian
concerns” (Van Kirk, 2004).
Do you agree with this statement?
32 TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER
ACTIVITY 2.5
Read the following excerpt taken from Act 2 (about Jack and his imaginary
brother who died) and share your responses with your tutorial group.
Excerpt taken from Act 2
Chasuble: Dear Mr. Worthing, I trust this garb of woe does not betoken
some terrible calamity?
Jack: My brother.
Miss Prism: More shameful debts and extravagance?
Chasuble: Still leading his life of pleasure?
Jack: [Shaking his head]
Dead.
Chasuble: Your brother Ernest dead?
Jack: Quite dead.
Miss Prism: What a lesson for him! I trust he will profit by it.
Chasuble: Mr. Worthing, I offer you my sincere condolence. You have at
least the consolation of knowing that you were always the most generous
and forgiving of brothers.
Jack: Poor Ernest! He had many faults, but it is a sad, sad blow.
Chasuble: Very sad indeed. Were you with him at the end?
Jack: No. He died abroad; in Paris, in fact. I had a telegram last night from
the manager of the Grand Hotel.
Chasuble: Was the cause of death mentioned?
Jack: A severe chill, it seems.
Miss Prism: As a man sows, so shall he reap.
Chasuble: [Raising his hand]
Charity, dear Miss Prism, charity! None of us are perfect, I myself am
peculiarly susceptible to draughts. Will the interment take place here?
Jack: No. He seems to have expressed a desire to be buried in Paris.
Chasuble: In Paris!
[Shakes his head]
I fear that hardly points to any very serious state of mind at the last. You
would no doubt wish me to make some slight allusion to this tragic
domestic affliction next Sunday.
[JACK presses his hand convulsively.]
My sermon on the meaning of the manna in the wilderness can be adapted
to almost any occasion, joyful, or, as in the present case, distressing.
[All sigh]
I have preached it at harvest celebrations, christenings, confirmations, on
days of humiliation and festal days. The last time I delivered it was in the
Cathedral, as a charity sermon on behalf of the Society for the Prevention
of Discontent among the Upper Orders. The Bishop, who was present, was
much struck by some of the analogies I drew.
TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER ! 33
EXERCISE 2.2
Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
Lady Bracknell: WonÊt you come and sit here, Gwendolen?
Gwendolen: Thanks, mamma, IÊm quite comfortable where I am.
Algernon: [Picking up empty plate in horror.]
Good heavens! Lane! Why are there no cucumber sandwiches? I
ordered them specially.
Lane: [Gravely.]
There were no cucumbers in the market this morning, sir. I went
down twice
(a) Do you think Algernon or Algy was genuinely shocked that there
was no cucumber sandwiches on the plate? Who do you think
finished the sandwiches?
(b) Read Act 2. What reason did Algy give for his compulsive eating?
(c) Read Act 3. What does Jack accuse Algy of eating too much of?
In the quotation given, we see that Lady Bracknell is direct in her opinion. She
tells her daughter that only she (and her husband) can decide who she is to be
engaged to. Continue reading this part from your script. What other indications
can you pick out to exemplify Lady BracknellÊs authoritarian character?
GWENDOLEN: Mamma! [He tries to rise; she restrains him.] I must beg you to
retire. This is no place for you. Besides, Mr. Worthing has not quite finished yet.
LADY BRACKNELL: Finished what, may I ask?
GWENDOLEN: I am engaged to Mr. Worthing, mamma. [They rise together.]
LADY BRACKNELL: Pardon me, you are not engaged to any one. When you do
become engaged to some one, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will
inform you of the fact. An engagement should come on a young girl as a
surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be. It is hardly a matter that she
could be allowed to arrange for herself . . . And now I have a few questions to put
to you, Mr. Worthing. While I am making these inquiries, you, Gwendolen, will
wait for me below in the carriage.
GWENDOLEN
[Reproachfully.] Mamma!
LADY BRACKNELL
In the carriage, Gwendolen! [GWENDOLEN goes to the door. She and JACK
blow kisses to each other behind LADY BRACKNELLÊS back. LADY
BRACKNELL looks vaguely about as if she could not understand what the noise
was. Finally turns round.] Gwendolen, the carriage!
ACTIVITY 2.6
Read the following taken from Act 1 of The Importance of Being Earnest
and reflect on the questions that follow:
Jack: Oh Gwendolen is as right as a trivet. As far as she is concerned, we
are engaged. Her mother is perfectly unbearable. Never met such a
GorgonÚI donÊt really know what a Gorgon is like, but I am quite sure
that Lady Bracknell is one. In any case, she is a monster, without being a
myth, which is rather unfairÚI beg your pardon, Algy, I suppose I
shouldnÊt talk about your own aunt I that way before you.
(a) What is JackÊs opinion of Lady BracknellÊs character?
(b) Why do you think Jack has a negative opinion of Lady Bracknell?
(c) What happened before this that caused Jack to feel this way?
TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER ! 35
Gwendolen seems to be meticulous in her ways. For her, there must be the
perfect proposal performed in the correct manner. The man she would get
married to should be someone named “Ernest”. In short, Gwendolen is portrayed
as a woman who places importance on appearances and style, as shown by the
following excerpt from Act 1:
Gwendolen: Yes, I am quite well aware of the fact. And I often wish that in
public, at any rate, you had been more demonstrative. For me you have always
had an irresistible fascination. Even before I met you I was far from indifferent to
you.
[JACK looks at her in amazement.]
We live, as I hope you know, Mr Worthing, in an age of ideals. The fact is
constantly mentioned in the more expensive monthly magazines, and has
reached the provincial pulpits, I am told; and my ideal has always been to love
some one of the name of Ernest. There is something in that name that inspires
absolute confidence. The moment Algernon first mentioned to me that he had a
friend called Ernest, I knew I was destined to love you.
EXERCISE 2.3
ACTIVITY 2.7
Read the text and find the quotations that support the statement that
Miss Prism is harshly critical of JackÊs “brother”.
ACTIVITY 2.8
Go through the character list again. Which two characters are not
mentioned in the above section? Are these characters major or minor
characters? Which part of the drama do they appear in?” What are their
roles in the drama? Would the drama go on smoothly without these two
characters?
Look through the list of characters of this play. Who do you think are the
flat characters and the round characters?
TOPIC 2 PLOT AND CHARACTER ! 37
! Plot refers to how one event in the drama causes another event to happen.
! There are different types of plot such as monomyth, in medias res and
episodic plot.
! There are different types of characters in drama. Some characters are either
round or flat. They could also be stock or foil characters. Usually they are the
antagonists and the protagonists.
Character
Monologue
Plot
1. What is plot and what are the five stages in FreytagÊs structure of plot?
Barnet, S. & Cain W. F. (2000). A short guide to writing about literature (8th ed.).
New York: Longman.
Van Kirk, S. (2004). Cliffs notes: WildeÊs the importance of being earnest. New
Jersey: Wiley.