An intersting perspective on character analysis, as seen by consideration being given to decisions that characters make. ("The Scarlet Letter", "Hunger of Memory" and "Catch-22")

Essay by hzeytuntsyanHigh School, 10th gradeA+, May 2004

download word file, 6 pages 5.0

It remains a simple reality of life that the choices made today will shape tomorrow. Most if not all books are essentially microcosms of the real world. They very explicitly illustrate not only the importance of choices but how they can greatly influence the train of events following thereafter. A character?s choices are a result of intense internal conflicts and reasoning, the decisions that are made could impact events both in a negative or positive manner and ultimately could change the course of events radically or insignificantly. An analysis of the choices made and how the characters came about to making those choices reveals a great wealth of information and provides an avenue into the psyche of the character and the situation they are in. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Hunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez are three very different books, yet despite this all three contain a very important element centered on decision-making.

Each character?s inner-most desires, thoughts, and feelings are colorfully exhibited through the struggles they go through as they make choices that will shape their lives and the lives of others around them. When making these choices characters go through three stages: realization that a choice needs to be made, consideration of the consequences of different choices, and finally the high point where the character feels confident enough to make the choice final.

First of all, a character must first realize that they are in a situation where they need to make a critical decision. This is an important part of decision-making because it shows that the character as ascertained an inconsistency, void or necessity in their lives that needs to be filled. These inconsistencies can be caused by a myriad of things which can vary from internal and external...