#AP English Literature: Character & Group Dynamics 🎭

Hey there! Ready to dive deep into character analysis? This guide is your go-to for understanding how characters interact with groups and forces, crucial for acing the AP Lit exam. Let's get started!

# Types of Groups: The Character's World 🌍

Characters don't exist in a vacuum. They're always part of something bigger. Understanding these groups is key to unlocking deeper meanings in literature.

#Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• The closest group a character usually has. Think about:
  • Relationships: Are they close, distant, or conflicted?

* **Traditional vs. Non-traditional:** How do orphans or characters with unconventional families relate to the idea of family? * **Example:** In *Pride and Prejudice*, Elizabeth Bennet's relationship with her family, especially her sisters, shapes her choices and perspectives.

#Friends 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

• Often act as foils or sidekicks, highlighting different aspects of the main character.
  • Close Bonds: Do they have a single close friend or a larger group?
  • Support or Conflict: Do their friends support them or challenge them?
  • Example: Nick Carraway's friendship with Gatsby in The Great Gatsby reveals much about Gatsby's character.

#Society 🏛️

• The social context greatly influences a character's experiences and choices. Consider:
  • Setting: Urban vs. rural, past vs. present.
  • Class: Noble, peasant, middle class – how does this affect their lives?
  • Norms: What behaviors are considered acceptable or unacceptable?
  • Example: The rigid social structure in Pride and Prejudice dictates much of the characters' actions and interactions.

#Identity Groups 🏳️‍🌈

• Groups based on race, gender, sexuality, nationality, etc.
  • Role and Rebellion: How do characters relate to their identity group? Do the...