Degree Name

MA (Master of Arts)

Program

Reading

Date of Award

5-2019

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Amber Kinser

Committee Members

Ed Dwyer, Delanna Reed

Abstract

This thesis introduces an obscure storytelling device, The Unsung Hero character, as one way of examining how movies function as stories. This character is often overlooked, as it frequently cloaks its idiosyncrasies, thus it lacks any apparent signs of internal conflict. This analysis foregrounds the character’s overall functionality, found only in rare instances and typically in the story of a movie. With effective implementation in a story, as a functional harbinger device, brief appearances of The Unsung Hero character demonstrate flashpoints or disclosures of a forthcoming misfortune in the story. This movie analysis shows how The Unsung Hero character functions effectively as a harbinger device in stories.

Document Type

Thesis - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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