Auxiliary function

Definition

An auxiliary function refers to a supporting role or secondary aspect that contributes to the development and depth of a character within a narrative. It can manifest through various behaviors, relationships, or traits that help define the character’s primary motivations and goals, enhancing their overall psychological complexity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auxiliary functions can reveal important backstory elements that provide insight into a character's motivations and actions.
2. These functions often emerge through a character's interactions with others, highlighting their relationships and social dynamics.
3. In screenwriting, identifying auxiliary functions can help create multi-dimensional characters that resonate with audiences.
4. Characters can have multiple auxiliary functions, each adding layers to their personality and enriching the narrative.
5. Understanding a character's auxiliary functions allows writers to craft more believable and relatable conflicts within the story.

Review Questions

• How do auxiliary functions contribute to a character’s overall psychological profile?
  • Auxiliary functions add depth to a character's psychological profile by showcasing their supporting traits, relationships, and behaviors. These elements help reveal what motivates a character beyond their primary goal, illustrating their complexities. For instance, a character who appears confident may have an auxiliary function of insecurity that influences their decisions, making them more relatable and engaging to the audience.
• Discuss how auxiliary functions can enhance the dynamics between the protagonist and antagonist in a narrative.
  • Auxiliary functions play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist by adding layers of conflict and tension. For example, if the protagonist has an auxiliary function of loyalty while the antagonist embodies betrayal, these contrasting traits can create compelling scenarios that highlight their opposing values. This dynamic not only deepens their conflict but also enriches the story by allowing for more nuanced interactions.
• Evaluate the impact of incorporating well-defined auxiliary functions on audience engagement in storytelling.
  • Incorporating well-defined auxiliary functions significantly enhances audience engagement by fostering a stronger emotional connection with characters. When characters exhibit realistic complexities through these functions, viewers are more likely to empathize with them and invest in their journeys. A character facing an internal struggle due to their auxiliary function—such as fear of failure—resonates with audiences, making the story more impactful and memorable.

Related terms

Protagonist:

The main character around whom the story revolves, often facing conflict and undergoing significant personal growth.

Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving the narrative forward.

Character Arc:

The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, showcasing their growth or change in response to events.