(1) DUE DATE: Post Part 1 (200 word reaction–80 points) and post Part 2 (50 word peer reaction–20 points) by Weds 4/14 midnight
(2) OBJECTIVE: To begin the discussion of the short stories by focusing on the construction of plot and character in order to see how the author is moving the action forward through use of conflict.
(3) READ FIRST: Read the Introduction to Module 2. Afterwards, in I, Robot, read the first half of the book (5 short stories): Introduction, “Robbie” (1-24), “Runaround” (25-45), “Reason” (46-67), “Catch a Rabbit” (68-90), and “Liar!” (91-111).
(4) ASSIGNMENT:
Part 1: In 200 words or more, use the questions below to help you analyze the plot and character in ONE of the five short stories we read for today. Please note: Do not simply summarize the plots! This is analysis of conflict–use the questions below as a guide.
Part 2: React to one of your peer’s posts giving your feedback and opinion on what he/she posted.
PLOT: Plot is the unfolding of a dramatic situation; it is what happens in the narrative. Be aware that writers of fiction arrange fictional events into patterns. They select these events carefully, they establish causal relationships among events, and they enliven these events with conflict. Therefore, more accurately defined, plot is a pattern of carefully selected, casually related events that contain conflict.
CHARACTERS: There are two broad categories of character development: simple and complex. Simple (or flat) characters have only one or two personality traits and are easily recognizable as stereotypesthe shrewish wife, the lazy husband, the egomaniac, etc. Complex (or rounded) characters have multiple personality traits and therefore resemble real people. They are much harder to understand and describe than simple characters. No single description or interpretation can fully contain them. For the characters in modern fiction, the hero has often been replaced by the antihero, an ordinary, unglamorous person often confused, frustrated and at odds with modern life.
