Part 3: Analyzing Characters' Motivations in Literature Objective: Students will analyze characters' motivations in a well-known literary passage and explain how these motivations drive the plot.

Question

__________________________________________________________________ Instructions: Read the passage from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins below and answer the questions that follow. Passage: "I volunteer!" I gasp. "I volunteer as tribute!" The words come out of my mouth in a rush, and the audience erupts in shocked applause. I feel like I’m in a dream. What have I just done? What have I agreed to? But my eyes meet Prim’s, and I see her tears. There’s no turning back." 1. What is Katniss’ internal motivation for volunteering as tribute? __________________________________________________________________ What is Katniss’ external motivation for volunteering? __________________________________________________________________ How do these motivations affect the plot of the story? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Answer 1

1. What is Katniss’ internal motivation for volunteering as tribute?
   Katniss’ internal motivation for volunteering as tribute is rooted in her love and protective instinct for her younger sister, Prim. The thought of Prim being chosen for the Hunger Games fills Katniss with dread, and her decision reflects a deep-seated desire to safeguard her sister at all costs, showcasing her bravery and selflessness.

2. What is Katniss’ external motivation for volunteering?
   Katniss’ external motivation for volunteering is driven by the societal norms and pressures of the Hunger Games and the expectation of self-sacrifice within her district. By stepping forward to take Prim’s place, she defies the system that intends to pit children against each other for entertainment, making a statement that transcends personal survival and hints at larger themes of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol.

3. How do these motivations affect the plot of the story?
   These motivations significantly advance the plot by setting the stage for Katniss' evolving journey as a hero. Her internal motivation showcases her character's depth and the emotional stakes involved, while her external motivation introduces a conflict against the authoritarian regime of the Capitol. This pivotal moment of her volunteering acts as a catalyst for the events that follow, leading to her participation in the Games, her struggles for survival, and ultimately paving the way for a larger rebellion against the oppressive structures in place. Katniss' motivations illustrate the themes of sacrifice, familial love, and resistance, which are central to the narrative.