Character Questions

1. I believe that Todd changed the most through the film, including with the death of Neil. Neil was the only person who originally opened up to Todd. Todd was afraid speaking in class, doing the assignments and being in groups. However, at the end of the film, Todd takes the bold move alone to stand up for Keating and Neil and say "O Captain, My Captain."

2. Keating would be considered a static character. Throughout the film he wants to show the boys that they can be so much more then Welton makes them believe. Through the judgment of the faculty and the resistance from the students, he still proceeds to do his best to open the boys' eyes to the world.

3. The only thing that would probably change about Keating is maybe his caution in life. However, this would probably be changed again after the boys all stand on their desks and show their respect for him. That even though it came with a cost, the boys still appreciate everything and know that the death was not Keating's fault. However, I do believe the death of Neil left a mark on him forever.

4.
Todd Anderson- Todd was afraid of being in a group, he was afraid of trying but letting people down. This is why at the beginning of the story he is so quiet. This is what causes Neil to help him, he sees the fear he has and decides that Todd can be so much more. Throughout the story Todd opens up more to the class, Keating's lessons, and the society. He breaks his final barrier when he stands on his desk and says "O Captain, My Captain". This is when Todd finally throws the world out the window and takes a chance on life.

Neil Perry- Neil had to live up to the stature that his father wanted and nothing less. Neil's love was in acting but his father told him it was a foolish dream. He had to live with constant pressure to be the best, and to be just another member of the working force, but he saw different in himself. However, Neil was not able to overcome his challenge, he ended up taking his life because he knew he'd never be allowed to follow his true dream. Suicide is really never the answer, but Neil was facing things, and odds that would soon kill him anyway.

Overstreet- Knox's battle was finding the confidence in himself to take the chance to get the girl. He takes many chances by going to see her at school, kiss her at a party, and taking her to a play at the very end of the movie. He was able to overcome these obstacles and at the end we guess that he finally gets Chris.

Dalton- Dalton's biggest fear was becoming like everyone else, he made it clear through out the whole movie that he wanted to be different. Even in the society, he acted more open and wild then all the other boys. He also expressed this during the lessons of Mr.Keating by refusing to walk along with the other boys. I would say he takes care of his challenge because the fact that he stands up for Neil and the Society but gets thrown out of school doing so.