Two Kinds

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Two Kinds

• Amy Tan

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AMY TAN TWO KINDS

• Terms to know
• Motivation
• Protagonist
• Antagonist
• Subordinate Characters
• Static and Dynamic Characters
• Internal and External Conflict

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Motivation

• Motivation is what makes or drives a character to
  act the way they do.
• Authors seldom state the motivation directly,
  rather they imply what the motive might be.
  Readers must make inferences about why the
  characters act the way they do.

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Protagonist

• The protagonist or main character is the central
  figure of a story

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Antagonist

• The main character in opposition to the
  protagonist or hero of the story

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Subordinate Characters

• We also meet friends, neighbors and family
  members of the protagonist and antagonist.
• These characters are not as important as the main
  characters but are in the story for a reason.
• They may help to develop the storys conflict.

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Is the character static or dynamic

• A Static character is one that does not change in
  any way from the beginning to the end of the story

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• A dynamic character is one that learns a lesson,
  develops as an individual throughout the story

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Conflict Internal and External

• Internal Conflict the protagonist wrestles with
  his or her won fear or worry or the need to make
  a decision
• Turn to a partner and explain a time you
  experienced internal conflict
• External Conflict a conflict between the
  protagonist and some outside force (another
  character, society, nature)

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Amy Tan - Two Kinds

• 1. What does Jing-Meis mother want her to be?
• 2. Why is Mr. Chong an ineffective teacher?
• 3. What happens at the talent show?
• What does Jing-mei do with the piano after her
  mothers death?
• Do you think it is fairly common that some
  mothers (or fathers) create resentment in their
  children by trying to do things they feel are in
  their childrens best interests? Think of some
  examples.
• Do you believe people grow up with certain
  personality traits that cant be changed?