Values

Definition

Values are the core beliefs or principles that guide an individual's behavior and decision-making. They shape a character's motivations, influencing how they interact with others and respond to conflicts. Understanding a character's values is essential for developing depth and authenticity, as they often dictate the choices a character makes throughout a narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Values are often formed through personal experiences, cultural background, and societal norms, making them unique to each character.
2. Conflicts in a story frequently arise from differing values between characters, creating tension and driving the plot forward.
3. Characters may undergo changes in their values over time due to experiences or relationships, which can lead to significant character development.
4. Understanding a character's values can help actors portray them more authentically, as they can draw on these principles to inform their performance.
5. In narrative structures, values often serve as a compass for characters, guiding their decisions and highlighting themes of the story.

Review Questions

• How do values influence character motivation and decision-making in narratives?
  • Values play a crucial role in shaping a character's motivations and decision-making processes. They act as guiding principles that inform how characters perceive situations and interact with others. When faced with dilemmas or conflicts, characters will often refer back to their values to determine the most appropriate course of action, highlighting the importance of understanding these beliefs for deeper character development.
• Discuss the impact of conflicting values between characters on the plot development of a story.
  • Conflicting values between characters can significantly propel plot development by creating tension and driving conflict. When two characters hold opposing beliefs or priorities, their interactions can lead to misunderstandings, arguments, or even violence. These clashes not only heighten emotional stakes but also challenge characters to reassess their own values and potentially evolve throughout the narrative.
• Evaluate how the evolution of a character's values throughout a story can enhance themes and audience engagement.
  • The evolution of a character's values can deeply enrich themes within a story and enhance audience engagement by showcasing personal growth or transformation. As characters confront challenges that test their beliefs, viewers become invested in their journeys. This development allows audiences to reflect on their own values and consider different perspectives, fostering empathy and connection with the narrative's broader themes.

Related terms

Morals: Morals are the standards of behavior that dictate what is considered right or wrong within a particular context, often influenced by cultural, social, or religious beliefs.

Ethics: Ethics refers to the systematic study of what is right and wrong, encompassing a set of principles that guide individuals in making decisions, often in professional or communal contexts.

Motivation:

Motivation is the inner drive that prompts a character to act in certain ways, often tied to their values and desires, shaping their goals and aspirations.