Character Portrayal and characterization in The Samaritan
.jpeg "Characterisation in The Samaritan Act 2 Scene 1")
1. Alvita and Montano
a. Fearful and timid
Alvita and Montano are afraid that Nicole might be in danger (P. 50).
Alvita is looking apprehensive. She says they are worried over her (P.49). Similarly, Montano tells Nicole that the app will get their teacher into trouble (P. 49)
b. Caring and concerned
Alvita and Montano are concerned about Nicole their teacher, hence they visit her and warn her about the possible trouble that The Samaritan App might have on her
(P.48-49).
c. Passionate and loyal
The act of visiting Nicole over the holiday to warn her on the trouble that she might experience is an act of love (P. 52).
The students promise to follow Nicole in case she transfers from their school (P. 52).
Role of the students (Alvita and Montano)
They build the plot of the story. When they visit Nicole and talk about their fears and anxieties over their teacher and prepare her for a harsh time, we wait for such a moment.
They also help build up Nicole as a determined, optimistic, advisory and knowledgeable character.
They build flashback and foreshadow when they refer to the ultimatum the Mayor made and the possible trouble Nicole may encounter in the text.
2. Nicole
a. Daring, brave and courageous
Even as Montano and Alvita tell her to stop pursuing The Samaritan App due to the possible risk it will put her through, she says she is not worried about what the leaders will do because the App is something good (P.52).
She still assures her students that they should be there for one another and act right to improve individual lives (P.52).
She also says that when striving to improve lives, she cannot afford to chicken out at every obstacle and threat in her life (P.52).
b. Selfless and idealistic
She tells her students that to improve individual lives and make the Municipality prosper; one must care about others and not just oneself. It is necessary that one stands for another and acts right or take responsibility for the progress to be realized (P.52).
c. Firm and Determined
She is determined to pursue the success of The Samaritan App despite the trouble it might cause to her (P.52).
d. Realistic or pragmatic
She understands that there are times when one should stand for a cause that can bring a better tomorrow for everyone (P.52).
e. Optimistic or hopeful and visionary
Nicole strives to improve her life (P.52)
Despite Montano and Alvita being anxious and worried about the possible danger of The Samaritan App resulting from recent ultimatum the Mayor gave their teacher,Nicole tells the students not to worry because everything will be well (P.50).
Nicole is confident that The Samaritan will bring a better tomorrow. She tells her students that she is sure The Samaritan will change the course of history in the Municipality (P.52).
Nicole also hopes that the students should be encouraged or not fear pursuing the project of the Samaritan App, because they will be finally successful (P.53).
f. Critical
She believes the leaders cannot have big vehicles, huge houses, and flaunt lifestyle with just their salaries (p.53).
g. Calm
Even though Montano and Alvita are apprehensive about the Mayor and possible danger of The Samaritan App because of the recent ultimatum the Mayor passed,Nicole tells the students not to worry and that everything will be well (P.50).
h. Knowledgeable and Informed
She uses the story of the Good Samaritan to explain to the students why leaders will not take the App that is good for the citizens (P.50-51).
i. Advisory
She encourages her students to pursue the app until it is a success (P.53).
Role of Nicole
Nicole dominates the entire scene hence builds the plot, setting.
She brings out themes of opportunism and hypocrisy.
She builds other characters including the leaders as corrupt.
She builds the conflict in the play as everyone is concerned about The App she mentored students to work on.
3. The Municipal Leaders
a. Deceitful and hypocritical
Nicole shares that public official’s talk of interest in citizens without ever being genuinely committed to it (p.51).
b. Corrupt
Nicole thinks with their salary which everybody knows they cannot afford big cars and houses unless there are four games (P. 53).
Roles of Leaders
In this scene, leaders are more of stock characters who build Nicole’s characterization and styles such as irony, satire among others.
They also help us see some themes including corruption, bad leadership, and
selfishness.