In this paper I investigate the development of characterisation in the play "Our Country’s Good" by Timberlake Wertenbaker. The term characterisation refers to the way new characters are introduced and created. Throughout my analysis I will propose that a character has a specific trait, which I will back up with empirical evidence such as passages from the book where characters are characterized explicitly.
This paper will also be shaped by the following central questions: Which methods are used by what means? What does the author achieve by using these techniques? Which techniques are combined with which characters and why? However, a full discussion of all the characters in the book would go beyond the scope of this paper, since the play includes 22 characters in no more than 91 pages (cf. Wischenbart, 93). This led me to a completely different approach, namely to single out two of the main characters in the play and juxtapose them in terms of characterisation and character development. But before I turn to the full analysis of my central topic, I will clarify the exceedingly important role characterization plays in drama and define the different main concepts and techniques of it.
The relevancy and great impact of the process of characterisation to the reader becomes clear when literature on the theory of drama is examined. According to Hoffmann, ‘drama depends on the presentation of fictional personalities as the principal vehicle to communicate the message the artists want to convey’ (Hoffmann, 1).
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Characterisation of different characters
2.1 CAPTAIN ARTHUR PHILLIP
2.2 MARY BRENHAM
3 Conclusion
4 Bibliography
4.1 PRIMARY SOURCES
4.2 SECONDARY SOURCES
4.3 DRAMA AND THEORY-RELATED SOURCES
5 Index
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the mechanisms of characterisation in Timberlake Wertenbaker’s play "Our Country’s Good," focusing on the divergent developmental trajectories of two key figures, Captain Arthur Phillip and Mary Brenham, to demonstrate how dramatic techniques influence audience perception and character growth.
- Analysis of characterisation methods as defined by drama theory.
- Juxtaposition of static versus dynamic character development.
- The impact of theatre and education on the moral reform of characters.
- The use of explicit and implicit characterisation techniques by the author.
- Evaluation of identity formation through role-play and social interaction.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Mary Brenham
Finally I would like to comment on the character Mary Brenham. According to Wischenbart, Mary is a historical character (cf. Wischenbart, 97). Her name could be seen as ‘interpretative name’ (Pfister, 194) since it induces an association of Virgin Mary and therefore evokes purity and simplicity (cf. Foster, 424). Wischenbart claims that Mary is one of the characters that undergo the most radical change throughout the play (cf. Wischenbart, 93). Mary’s first appearance is in the first scene. In the stage direction ‘Dabby Bryant comes on, with a shrinking Mary Brenham in tow.’ (12) Mary is characterized implicitly by her behaviour. The fact that she is towed by Dabby indicates that she is a rather passive person. This assumption is further confirmed when she doesn’t answer Second Lieutenant Ralph Clark. Instead of her, Dabby Bryant takes over the conversation with Ralph: ‘You asked to see Mary Brenham, Lieutenant. Here she is.’ (12).
According to Wertenbaker, that language is an expression of hope, Mary, who avoids speaking, seems to have lost all her hope (cf. Hoffmann, 17). More than that, her passive behaviour even indicates that she lost her identity, her will for self-realisation. Obviously she does not have any feeling of self-confidence at all.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the study, outlines the central research questions regarding characterisation techniques, and establishes the theoretical framework for analyzing drama.
2 Characterisation of different characters: This section provides a detailed analysis of Captain Arthur Phillip's static nature and leadership, followed by an exploration of Mary Brenham's significant character development throughout the play.
3 Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, contrasting the static leadership style of Phillip with the radical, transformative journey of Mary Brenham.
4 Bibliography: This section lists all primary and secondary sources used for the analysis, including drama theory texts and academic theses.
5 Index: This section provides a keyword-based reference list of terms and characters mentioned throughout the paper.
Keywords
Characterisation, Our Country’s Good, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Captain Arthur Phillip, Mary Brenham, Drama Theory, Character Development, Implicit Characterisation, Explicit Characterisation, Social Reform, Theatre, Identity, Ralph Clark, Static Character, Dynamic Character
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper investigates how characterisation is developed and presented in Timberlake Wertenbaker’s play "Our Country’s Good," specifically focusing on the differences between static and dynamic characters.
What are the central themes discussed?
Central themes include the role of theatre in moral reform, the contrast between social authority and individual identity, and the various linguistic and behavioral methods used to define characters.
What is the main research question?
The research asks which specific characterisation methods are employed by the author, what these techniques achieve, and how they contribute to the portrayal of the characters.
Which academic methods are applied?
The analysis utilizes literary theory, particularly the classifications of characterisation techniques proposed by Pfister, and examines textual evidence from the play to support the analysis of character development.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body focuses on the deep-dive analysis of two central characters, Captain Arthur Phillip and Mary Brenham, juxtaposing their developments and the techniques used to characterize them.
What are the key terms associated with this work?
Key terms include characterisation, implicit and explicit techniques, moral reform, static versus dynamic characters, and the specific names of the primary figures analyzed.
Why is Captain Arthur Phillip described as a static character?
He is described as static because he adheres to his principles throughout the play without experiencing fundamental personal change, unlike characters who undergo significant psychological shifts.
How does the play act as a catalyst for Mary Brenham’s development?
The process of participating in the play and reading allows Mary to regain her voice, acquire self-esteem, and ultimately achieve a sense of dignity and self-determined identity.
- Quote paper
- Christoph Burger (Author), 2005, Characterisation in Timberlake Wertenbaker's Our Country's Good, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/119910
