The outsider

Definition

The outsider refers to a character who is perceived as different or alien to the norms, beliefs, or practices of a particular society or group. This character often faces challenges in understanding or being accepted by the community, which can create tension and conflict, while also serving as a catalyst for change and reflection within the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Outsiders often serve as mirrors to society, reflecting its flaws, prejudices, and values through their unique perspectives.
2. The tension between the outsider and the community can drive the narrative and character development, leading to transformative arcs for both parties.
3. In many stories, outsiders challenge the status quo, prompting characters and audiences to reconsider their beliefs and assumptions.
4. The outsider archetype is common across genres, from literature to film, as it resonates with themes of belonging and identity.
5. Understanding the role of the outsider can enrich world-building by showcasing how character interactions reveal cultural norms and social hierarchies.

Review Questions

• How does the presence of an outsider in a story influence character dynamics within a community?
  • An outsider introduces new perspectives that challenge existing beliefs and behaviors within a community. This often leads to conflict as other characters react to the outsider's differences, which can result in growth or resistance. The interactions between the outsider and community members highlight underlying tensions, revealing how deeply held values are tested or transformed through this dynamic.
• Discuss the importance of the outsider in providing social commentary within a narrative.
  • Outsiders can effectively illustrate societal issues by highlighting contradictions and injustices within a community. Their unique perspective allows them to question accepted norms and practices that others might overlook. By examining how outsiders are treated and perceived, stories can critique societal attitudes toward difference, ultimately encouraging audiences to reflect on their own beliefs.
• Evaluate how the outsider contributes to world-building through character interactions in a story.
  • The outsider plays a crucial role in world-building by providing insights into the culture, values, and social structure of a community through their experiences. As they navigate their new environment, interactions with local characters reveal both the strengths and weaknesses of that society. These encounters can deepen the audience's understanding of the world created by the author, showing how diverse perspectives shape cultural narratives and community identity.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story who drives the plot forward and often faces significant challenges or conflicts.

Allegory: A narrative that uses characters and events to symbolize broader themes and moral lessons, often involving outsiders to highlight societal issues.

Social Commentary: A literary device used to provide insights into societal issues, often through the experiences and perspectives of outsiders.