Security

Definition

Security refers to the sense of safety and protection that a character feels in their environment or situation. It often influences their actions, decisions, and relationships with others. In literature, a character's security can reveal their vulnerabilities, motivations, and growth throughout the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Characters that experience a strong sense of security often make bold decisions and take risks, while those feeling insecure may act defensively or retreat from challenges.
2. Security can be external, such as physical safety or social stability, or internal, relating to a character's emotional well-being and self-confidence.
3. A character's journey often involves the loss or gain of security, leading to significant development and transformation throughout the story.
4. In narratives, moments of insecurity can serve as catalysts for character growth, prompting them to confront fears or embrace change.
5. The portrayal of security in characters can reflect broader societal themes, such as social hierarchy, privilege, and personal agency.

Review Questions

• How does a character's sense of security influence their decisions and relationships with others?
  • A character's sense of security profoundly impacts their choices and interactions. When a character feels secure, they are more likely to take risks and engage positively with others. Conversely, a lack of security may lead them to withdraw, act defensively, or avoid forming connections. This dynamic illustrates how security shapes not only individual behavior but also the overall narrative arc.
• In what ways does vulnerability interact with security in character development?
  • Vulnerability and security are closely linked in character development, often highlighting the tension between a character's strengths and weaknesses. A secure character may confront vulnerabilities head-on, leading to personal growth and resilience. Alternatively, a vulnerable character's journey towards finding security can serve as a compelling narrative arc, showcasing their struggles and triumphs as they navigate challenges.
• Evaluate how conflict arises from characters' quests for security within a narrative framework.
  • Conflict often emerges when characters pursue security in the face of external pressures or internal fears. This struggle may manifest as personal dilemmas or broader societal tensions, where characters challenge norms or fight against adversaries to achieve their desired sense of safety. The resolution of these conflicts not only drives the plot forward but also allows for deeper exploration of themes like identity, resilience, and the human condition.

Related terms

vulnerability:

A state of being exposed to the possibility of physical or emotional harm, often used to highlight a character's weaknesses in contrast to their security.

agency: The capacity of a character to act independently and make their own choices, which can be affected by their sense of security or insecurity.

conflict: A struggle between opposing forces, often arising from a character's quest for security or the challenges they face in maintaining it.