Project 4: Gender and Character Development

Finally, we talked about using characters who challenge traditional gender roles. We examined the progression of gay men in television and film, starting with Sean Hays' character, Jack on "Will and Grace" and moving toward Willem Defoe's character on The Boondock Saints.

The character Jack does not fit into the role of traditional masculinity, which makes him a laughable character. This is one way to challenge heteronormativity, but it is not very kind because this is not a very humanized character.

Watch as Willem Defoe's character performs the role of traditional masculinity.

Now watch as that traditional role is challenged.

By contrast, Willem Defoe's character is an alpha male, or a figure that performs all the roles of the traditionally masucline, with the exception of being gay. This is a character the audience is supposed to admire and respect and his homosexuality--although it is hidden/closeted--does not detract from this image.

Please find your own brief examples of characters that challenge gender roles and post the links as comments here.



Group Work for Project 4 (and assignment for Friday - post on your group Google Doc):

1) Challenging Gender: your skit must have at least one character that challenges gender roles

- Develop the characters
- How many? What are their roles? How do they push the plot forward?
- Which character will challenge traditional gender roles? In what way?

2) How will you break the 4th Wall?

Work on Script