Temper

Definition

Temper refers to the emotional state or disposition of a character, particularly their mood, demeanor, and reactions to stress or conflict. It can reveal underlying character flaws, influencing how a character behaves in various situations and affecting their growth throughout a story. Understanding a character's temper is essential in assessing their motivations, conflicts, and potential for change as they navigate challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A character with a volatile temper may struggle with impulsive actions, leading to conflicts that drive the narrative forward.
2. Temper can serve as a significant flaw, creating barriers for characters in relationships or personal goals until they learn to manage it.
3. Growth often involves characters learning to control their temper, which can lead to more positive interactions and outcomes.
4. The portrayal of temper can vary widely across genres, influencing how audiences perceive characters and their journeys.
5. Characters who effectively manage their temper often experience profound growth, transitioning from flawed individuals to more rounded personalities.

Review Questions

• How does a character's temper contribute to their development throughout a story?
  • A character's temper significantly shapes their reactions to various situations and drives the conflicts they encounter. If a character has a short temper, they may make rash decisions that lead to negative consequences, ultimately hindering their growth. As the story progresses, this flaw can be addressed through challenges that force the character to confront their anger and learn healthier coping mechanisms, allowing for meaningful development.
• Discuss the impact of temper on conflict within a narrative and how it influences character relationships.
  • Temper can escalate conflicts between characters, as it often leads to misunderstandings and heightened emotions. For example, when one character loses their temper during an argument, it can result in hurtful words or actions that damage relationships. The resolution of these conflicts usually requires characters to reflect on their tempers and work towards understanding each other better, which plays a crucial role in developing deeper connections.
• Evaluate how managing one's temper can signify growth in a character's arc and its implications for the overall narrative.
  • Managing one's temper is a powerful indicator of personal growth within a character's arc. When a character learns to control their emotional responses, it signifies maturity and self-awareness, which can lead to more constructive interactions with others. This transformation not only enhances the character's journey but also reflects broader themes in the narrative about personal responsibility and change. As characters evolve past their tempers, they often become catalysts for change in others, ultimately enriching the story's emotional depth.

Related terms

Anger Management: The process of learning to control and regulate anger, often used to show a character's growth when they confront their temper.

Conflict:

The struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative, often amplified by a character's temper and emotional responses.

Character Arc:

The transformation or development of a character over the course of a story, often impacted by their ability to manage their temper.