![]() The story’s choose-your-own-adventure style Atwood employs makes for an interesting exercise in character analysis because the characters are slightly different in each of the scenarios. Atwood includes two major protagonists, John and Mary, and three minor characters, Madge, James, and Fred. The author shows readers and budding writers how intrinsically linked character and plot development are to one another in order to enforce the main point of the story: every piece of writing which explores interpersonal relationships will end in death. Specifically, in this quintessential piece of metafiction, Atwood’s development of her characters is vital to a compelling, refined plot. While Margaret Atwood’s short story “Happy Endings” is primarily concerned with providing instruction regarding the formulation and importance of plot versus a story’s conclusion, the passage also offers insight regarding character development. ![]() The compelling parts of a story are the plot and, by extension, character development. The close of a story, therefore, is not intriguing. The primary goal of “Happy Endings” is to show that all stories dealing with the dynamics of interpersonal relationships will end in a similar fashion: the death of all the characters. With regard to “Happy Endings,” Atwood uses Mary to show a type of character (a static protagonist) and to highlight a stereotype (that of female characters) prevalent in various stories. A story in which the characters are diverse, dynamic, and interesting only work to enrich the plot. Atwood illustrates this in her use of several different characters in several different scenarios which escalate in detail. Further, the ways in which a character is described can certainly reflect the plot’s development. A major component of the development of a story is the creation and evolution of characters. GradeSaver, 13 June 2023 Web.This essay explores the purpose of the character development of Mary in Margaret Atwood’s short story “Happy Endings.” The story is a work of metafiction and provides commentary on traditional storycrafting methods. Next Section Character List Previous Section About Happy Endings Buy Study Guide How To Cite in MLA Format GradeSaver "Happy Endings Summary". The story ends with the narrator encouraging the reader to think beyond plot and consider the "how" and "why" of characters' actions (F). ![]() She argues that no matter what, the endings of every story are the same: people die. In version F, the author provides details about the various possible endings of John and Mary's stories. Unfortunately, Fred dies, and Madge dedicates herself to charity work. In version E, Fred and Madge live a good life. Many homes are destroyed and a number of people drown. One day, the shore is hit by a tidal wave. The two lovers have a house near a seashore. In version D, Madge and Fred lead a happy life. Madge is left mourning but finally meets and marries Fred. As a consequence, he purchases a handgun, which he uses to shoot the two of them and himself. One day, James decides to spend time with Mary at her apartment. This forces Mary to spend time with John. However, James is always away riding his motorbike. Indeed, Mary is interested in James, who is closer to her in age. John is interested in Mary, but Mary is not interested in him. Mary dies, and John gets married to Madge. As a result, Mary feels hurt and decides to overdose. Mary is informed by her friends that John enjoyed a meal in a certain restaurant with a woman called Madge. One evening, John complains about Mary's cooking. Mary is advised by her colleagues to part ways with him because John is not good enough for her. ![]() He comes home twice a week and is not romantic. Mary tries her best to please him, but John seems uninterested. John is only after pleasure and satisfying his ego. In version B, Mary is enthralled by John, but he does not show love in return. Mary and John buy a house and are used to going on fun vacations together. In version A, Mary and John meet and fall in love immediately.
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