Character vs. Technology/Supernatural

Definition

Character vs. Technology/Supernatural refers to the conflict that arises when a character faces challenges or struggles against technological advancements or supernatural forces. This type of conflict highlights the tension between human emotions, moral choices, and the external pressures exerted by technology or supernatural elements. It often leads to character development as protagonists navigate these struggles, showcasing their resilience or vulnerabilities in the face of modernity or otherworldly influences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. This type of conflict can showcase themes of humanity versus machine, where characters must confront their own limits against the power of technology.
2. Supernatural conflicts often challenge characters' beliefs, faith, and moral compass as they encounter forces beyond their understanding.
3. Stories featuring this conflict can lead to character growth, as protagonists may learn important lessons about themselves and their values through these struggles.
4. The portrayal of technology or supernatural elements can serve as metaphors for real-world issues, such as addiction to technology or existential crises sparked by unknown forces.
5. The resolution of such conflicts can result in either harmony, where characters find balance with technology/supernatural forces, or tragedy, where they succumb to their challenges.

Review Questions

• How do characters typically react when faced with technology or supernatural forces, and what does this reveal about their development?
  • Characters faced with technology or supernatural forces often react with fear, resistance, curiosity, or acceptance. These reactions reveal their personal values, fears, and motivations. For example, a character who initially rejects technology may later embrace it after witnessing its benefits, showing growth and adaptability. Conversely, a character who confronts a supernatural entity may reveal deep-seated fears that challenge their understanding of reality and their own identity.
• Discuss how technology or supernatural elements serve as antagonistic forces in narratives and the implications this has for character relationships.
  • Technology or supernatural elements often function as antagonistic forces that create obstacles for the protagonist. This opposition can strain relationships between characters as they may have differing views on how to handle these challenges. For instance, one character might advocate for embracing technology for progress while another might resist it due to ethical concerns. Such dynamics can lead to conflicts within friendships or partnerships that force characters to confront their beliefs and values.
• Evaluate how the themes of character vs. technology/supernatural reflect societal concerns in contemporary literature and media.
  • The themes of character vs. technology/supernatural reflect current societal concerns about our relationship with technology and the unknown. As technology advances rapidly and supernatural themes become more prevalent in media, characters grappling with these forces symbolize our collective anxiety about losing control over our lives. Literature and media often explore these conflicts to critique technological dependence, ethical dilemmas posed by advancements, and existential fears related to what lies beyond human comprehension. This examination encourages audiences to reflect on their own lives and the implications of these changes.

Related terms

Antagonist: The character or force in a story that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension.

Dystopia: An imagined society that is undesirable or frightening, often as a result of oppressive societal control or technological advancements.

Magical Realism: A literary genre in which magical elements are a natural part of an otherwise mundane, realistic environment, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary.