Character Analysis
Part One: Character Analysis
Name at least five minor characters that are in both the story “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” and the film The Shawshank Redemption and provide a one-sentence description of the character. (Hint: minor characters, for the purpose of this assignment, can be anyone except Andy and “Red”).
| Character’s Name | One sentence character description |
| Example: Byron Hadley | A loud, violent, and paranoid prison guard who runs into a tax problem when he unexpectedly inherits $35,000. |
| Youngblood Tim | Guard at Shawshank prison who is equally brutal as other prison guards. |
| Norton Samuel | An awful and antagonistic individual with contrasting character |
| Brooks Hatlen | Is fearful and has insecurities about his ultimate release from prison |
| Bryon Hatley | A loud bully who moves fast and punishes any person on his way |
| Heywood | A loyal and committed member of the group |
Part Two: Film Analysis
After watching the film The Shawshank Redemption, write about how these descriptions of minor or major characters from the story match (or don’t) with the way they look, sound, and behave in the film. Focus on at least three characters.
- Character’s Name: Norton Samuel
Character Description
In the book, Norton is one of three other wardens: Samuel Norton, Greg Stammas, and George Dunahy. In the short story, Norton’s behavior is rather insignificant as he leads a quiet life with other wardens. His voice is timid and possesses a relaxed demeanor, that he carries throughout the story until he gets a heart attack and retires before the end of the story.
Representation in the film
In the movie, Norton is represented as an antagonist and awful individual who must represent a contrasting character with the person in need of assistance. He facilitates Tony’s death in the theatricals and chooses to become busy by causing affliction on other people. His voice is authoritative and portrays the character of a violent and uncompassionate individual considering that he is the person behind most of the businesses and crimes evidenced, an aspect that gives Andy a reason for seeking vengeance on him.
Opinion on character transformation to film?
I approve of the character’s transformation in that it has given Norton a rather significant role compared to his previous position in the short story.
- Character’s Name: Brooks Hatlen
Character Description
Brooks Hatlen is another character whose character has been altered in the movie than in the book. In the short story, Hatlen is represented as a librarian before he gets overcome by Andy who takes over his job. His role in the book was rather insignificant and died a forgotten death (197). As the head librarian, Hatlen was the head of the library and often carried himself as a respectable and educated man. His voice reveals his fears and insecurities with his release after 50 years of imprisonment.
Representation in the film
The movie presents a sad scenario whereby Brooks is depicted to have committed suicide although this is not evidenced in the nook. The eventual suicide in the film was an addition in the movie in a bid to create continuity. Just like the book, Brook’s character is that of a fearful individual whose voice reveals the hidden insecurities about joining the outside world.
Opinion on character transformation to film?
I approve a change in character. However, I believe making further changes to this character would have improved the representation which appears to have been underrepresented.
- Character’s Name: Byron Hadley
Character Description
In the book, Hadley is a laidback guard who worked until his successful retirement. His voice and behavior reveal a sadistic character although he works hard to reveal atrocious mannerisms.
Representation in the film
The film has fabricated Hadley’s character to showcase an individual that is completely different from his representation in the book. In the movie, captain Hadley is portrayed as a bully who talks loudly and a rather fast mover. His character showcases the behaviors of a dumb and mean character (188). His job is characterized by the need to fight back and hurt other people who lack the power and ability to fight back.
Opinion on character transformation to film?
Through the change in character, King manages to showcase aspects that are often hated by society including aspects of corruption and thievery. He brings to the reader’s position the existence of unethical characters such as bullies in the society.
Part Three: Reflection on Themes
Hope
“I hope Andy is down there. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope” (Hayworth 332)
In the end, the narrator explains the relief of freedom. Although he is finally free, he is hopeful that he will meet Andy and shake his hand.
Example from the film The Shawshank Redemption (100-words)
Andy Dufresne has placed Hayworth’s poster in the jail cell which hides a tunnel that the inmate has been digging in the hope of finding his way out for the last 25years. Andy has been using his tiny rock hammer in the hope that he would manage to get back to his earlier life. Although the title has been shortened, Rita Hayworth is still a significant character in this movie and a significant symbol of the beauty of hope. Unwavering hope is what drives Andy to seek his own freedom.
Works Cited
Hayworth, Rita. ” Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption” Stephen King (1982).
ryy77 (2009 March). The Shawshank Redemption – Trailer – (1994) – HQ. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hB3S9bIaco
Retrieved from https://mathgifs.ir/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Shawshank-Redemption-Stephen-King.pdf
Appendices