1. List 7 important examples of your character’s personal given circumstances? (7 sentences) The first given circumstance is Jasper losing his mother when he was 15, which caused him to lose touch with his emotions. Although it's not talked about, Jasper's dad is never mentioned which suggests that he wasn't really involved in his life. Next, it is implied that he came from a lower-income area, therefore he was not given many opportunities when he was younger. In addition to that, he is a high-school dropout, and couldn't get a solid job. Jasper was also in a toxic relationship for a long-time, that consumed his time and negatively affected him mentally. It's obvious that he spends his time drinking and doing drugs, and not finding a purpose in life. The final given circumstance is that Jasper does not have many people in his life to help him. Although him and KJ are really close, they're not the best influence on each other.
2. List 5 important aspects of the relationship between your character and the character they are speaking to? Jasper and KJ are really close and have been friends for awhile. It's obvious that they're comfortable with each other and like to joke around. Jasper and KJ really only have each other, so they often depend on the other when they need someone to talk to. They have a trustworthy and honest friendship. Although it's never spoken about, they support each other and want to see the other one succeed.
3. How do they know each other, what is their relationship, is status important, etc? Do not repeat given circumstances from above. (7 sentences) Jasper and KJ are high school, and college dropouts who meet in the back of a coffee shop every day. They're close friends, and share similar interests. This includes music and poetry. They also tend to talk about life with each other, and seem to know almost everything about each other. Since KJ went to college, it can be assumed that he is from a higher status and followed a better path growing up. The only reason he dropped out was because of a mental breakdown he had. Neither of them care about where they came from and just bond on their interests.
4. What do they want from the character they are speaking to. Be specific. (3 sentences) If you look at it from a deeper perspective, I believe Jasper wants KJ to realize that he is struggling. He is constantly going off on tangents about random things and always to seems to be in his own world. It seems like its a secret cry for help, but it would require KJ to have to really push the emotions out of him.
5. Why do they want it? Cite examples from the play. (7 sentences) Jasper wants KJ to realize he needs help, because he knows he is at his breaking point. Even though it happened when he was younger, it is very understandable that Jasper never fully healed from the death of his mom. He had to grow up without a mother-figure and didn't have that guidance from her. When the topic gets brought up, Jasper seems to brush over it which shows that it's still hard for him to talk about. I think Jasper also needs to talk about his ex and how he really feels. I don't think he ever had someone to talk to and is used to suppressing his emotions, but the more he holds inside, the bigger the outburst.
6. What will happen to your character if they do not get what they want from the character they are speaking to? ( 5 sentences) Jasper never got help from KJ, or anyone, and ended up overdosing towards the end of the play. KJ tells Evan that it was an accident, but that's hard to believe after all the warning signs. Jasper saw drugs as his only way out and had an unhealthy reliance on it. I think if Jasper were able to get professional help, he would have never overdosed. I also think if he realized the amount of support that he could get from KJ and Evan, that he would have been comfortable to ask for help from them.
7. What are five tactics/verbs that you character uses? ( 5 words) Jasper criticizes, amuses, convinces, protects, and persuades.
8. Why do they use those tactics as opposed to others? example why do they threaten instead of plead? (5 sentences) Jasper criticizes Evan instead of praising him, because he sees Evan as a weakling that likes to follow rules, which is the complete opposite of him. Jasper amuses Evan and KJ, even if they're talking about something serious, to keep the mood from going down. Jasper convinces Evan to let them stay on the patio, so that him and KJ don't have to find a new chilling spot. Instead of neglecting KJ, Jasper protects him because he is really the only person he has and he doesn't want to lose him. Finally, instead of discouraging Evan to hang out with them, Jasper persuades him to go to Fourth of July because he sees something in him that he likes.
9. How do you think your character sees themselves? What do they think of themselves? (10 sentences)
What are they afraid of? (3 sentences) I think Jasper underestimates himself a lot. He's a high school dropout, who does drugs in the back patio of a coffee shop. He knows he's struggling, but doesn't want to get help and has accepted that this is his life. A lot of the experiences he has been through have made him very independent, so he doesn't think he needs other people. I also think he tries to seem like he's okay when around KJ and Evan. He doesn't want to come off weak, or seem like he cares about what's going on in his life. This is portrayed when Jasper's talking about how his ex-girlfriend has a new guy. You can tell from the tone of his voice that he is overwhelmed with emotions, but he excuses it as being almost humored and excited by the news. Jasper's afraid of letting people in. Even with KJ, he doesn't want him to know what he's truly feeling. He believes he has to keep up his rebellious, careless persona.
10. How do they protect themselves? (3 sentences) Jasper protects himself by being a closed book. He will talk about what is going on in his life, but not about how he feels towards the situations. He keeps his friend circle small and doesn't let just anyone into his life.
11. What makes them happy? (3 sentences) KJ is someone that makes Jasper happy. He knows Jasper's weaknesses and strengths, and they've been through a lot together. Jasper also turns to drugs and alcohol for happiness.
12. In what ways are you similar to your character and in what ways are you different. (10 sentences) I feel like Jasper and I are similar in the sense that we don't like asking for help. The reasons we need help are obviously very different, but we both have a sense of independence that makes us feel like asking for help is a bad thing. We both like to also take risks in life and live day by day, not planning too far ahead. Jasper and I are also different though. He seems to enjoy being on his own and doesn't really rely on others for entertainment. I like being surrounded by a lot of friends and family. I need that daily dose of interaction to keep my mood up. Jasper also just seems like a generally angry person. He is angry with life, and all the minor inconveniences that are thrown his way. Personally, it takes a lot for me to be to be angry or upset.