Characters (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Characters
Introduction to characters in the play
Characters are the people who drive the story forwards through their thoughts, actions, and interactions. In "My Children! My Africa!", there are three main characters who appear on stage: Mr M, Isabel, and Thami. These characters help develop the plot by facing different types of conflicts, including character versus character, character versus society, and character versus self.
Understanding the three main types of conflict helps you analyse how characters interact with each other, their society, and their own internal struggles. Each type of conflict reveals different aspects of character development and drives the plot in unique ways.
Understanding character types in literature
The protagonist
The protagonist is the main character or hero of the story. This character appears throughout the entire play and faces the central conflicts. The protagonist fights against challenging situations and antagonistic forces to drive the story towards its conclusion.
The antagonist
The antagonist works against the protagonist, creating obstacles and opposition. This doesn't always have to be a person - it can also be a difficult situation, society, or even an internal struggle. The antagonist is essential because it creates the conflict that makes the story interesting and keeps readers engaged.
Remember that an antagonist doesn't have to be evil or a villain. In "My Children! My Africa!", the antagonistic forces include the apartheid system itself, differing political views, and even internal conflicts within characters.
Static and dynamic characters
Characters can be classified based on whether they change throughout the story:
- Static characters remain unchanged throughout the story. They maintain the same personality traits and don't experience significant growth or development
- Dynamic characters undergo important changes during the story. They may develop from positive to negative traits, or vice versa, depending on what the story requires
Round and flat characters
Characters also differ in their complexity and depth:
- Round characters are complex and multi-dimensional, just like real people. They contribute significantly to making the story engaging and often surprise readers with their depth
- Flat characters serve specific purposes in the story but don't reveal much about themselves. They remain relatively simple and help support the main character's journey
How characters develop the plot
Characters reveal themselves and advance the story through several key methods. Understanding these techniques helps you analyse how authors create believable, engaging characters:
- Their thoughts and internal reflections (psychological development)
- Their actions and behaviours
- What they say in dialogue
- What other characters say about them
- How their environment and background influence them
- Their reactions to other people and situations
Pay close attention to what characters don't say as much as what they do say. Sometimes the most revealing moments come from a character's silence or hesitation in crucial situations.
Major characters
Mr M (Anela Myalatya)
Mr M is a 57-year-old Black teacher at Zolile High School who lives simply in a small room at the local reverend's house. He became passionate about teaching during a school trip when he was just 10 years old.
Key character traits:
- Devoted educator: His entire life revolves around education and helping his students think critically. He believes education and hard work can help end apartheid
- Confucian influence: He admires the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, believing strongly in the power of words, humanness, loyalty, and virtue
- Authoritative nature: He can be stubborn and refuses to accept different political viewpoints, particularly Thami's more radical ideas. He believes in respect for authority and traditional approaches
During the crisis in the play, Mr M demonstrates his dedication by continuing to ring the school bell and call out student names, even when facing danger.
Character Development Example: Mr M's Bell
Throughout the play, Mr M's action of ringing the school bell becomes a powerful symbol of his character. Even when the school is under threat and chaos erupts around him, he continues this ritual. This action reveals:
- His unwavering commitment to education
- His belief in order and routine
- His refusal to let external forces destroy what he has built
Isabel Dyson
Isabel is an 18-year-old White girl from Camdeboo who comes to debate against Thami at Zolile High School. Through this experience, she learns about the harsh realities of apartheid that she had never understood before.
Key character traits:
- Intelligent and brave: She is a critical thinker who can engage in complex debates and isn't afraid to challenge herself
- Sheltered but caring: Although she initially knows little about Black people's experiences under apartheid, she genuinely wants to learn and help
- Open-minded: She develops meaningful relationships with both Thami and Mr M, showing respect and warmth towards people her parents might disapprove of
Isabel represents the possibility of understanding and friendship across racial divides, even within the apartheid system.
Isabel's character development is crucial because she represents the potential for change in white South African society. Her journey from ignorance to awareness mirrors the transformation that was necessary for the country's future.
Thami Mbikwana
Thami is a 19-year-old Black student at Zolile High School. His mother works as a domestic worker, and his father works for the railway company. He lives in the Brakwater township with his grandmother and sister.
Key character traits:
- Strong-willed and outspoken: He has definite opinions and isn't afraid to express them, even when they conflict with his teacher's views
- Rational thinker: He takes time to consider issues carefully and doesn't act impulsively, though he eventually becomes convinced that action is necessary
- Natural leader: He has the respect of his peers and the courage to stand up for his beliefs, even when it puts him in danger
Thami represents the younger generation's impatience with gradual change and their willingness to take radical action against apartheid.
Character Conflict Example: Thami vs Mr M
The ideological conflict between Thami and Mr M illustrates the generational divide in the anti-apartheid movement:
- Mr M's approach: Patient, educational, working within existing systems
- Thami's approach: Immediate action, boycotts, revolutionary change
- The result: This conflict drives much of the play's tension and reveals the complexity of fighting oppression
Minor characters (unseen characters)
The play also includes several characters who are mentioned but never appear on stage. These characters help provide context and background to the main story, creating a sense of a larger community affected by the events:
Supporting Characters and Their Roles:
- Rev Mbopa: Pastor who rents a room to Mr M
- Miss Brockway: Principal of Camdeboo Girls High School
- Mr and Mrs Dyson: Isabel's parents who run a pharmacy
- Various students and community members who represent the broader society affected by the events of the play
These unseen characters help establish the social context and show how the main characters fit into their respective communities.
Key Points to Remember:
- The three main characters represent different perspectives on apartheid: Mr M (gradual change through education), Isabel (privileged outsider learning harsh realities), and Thami (young activist demanding immediate action)
- Characters develop through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with others
- Understanding character types (protagonist, antagonist, static, dynamic, round, flat) helps you analyse how each character functions in the story
- The conflict between characters drives the plot forwards and reveals important themes about education, politics, and human relationships
- Minor characters provide important context and show how the main characters' actions affect the broader community