Bunch of Characters (A14-EN)

We describe a character as a whole of motivational and ethical-moral characteristics. It is, therefore, the content of behaviour and as such, it is influenced by environmental factors. The activity brings the characteristic features of various well-known people to the forefront. It focuses on insight into their personal values which are an important part of their character and their personality in general.

social learning, social values, identity, personality traits

• To understand different methods of handling conflict
• To learn about one’s own character and personal traits
• To encourage thinking about solving conflicts in a positive manner
• To recognize one’s own positive and weak personal traits/characteristics

Adults, public officers, administration staff, volunteers in NGOs.  

Split large groups into smaller teams of four to seven participants (having at least three teams is desirable). Ask each team to come up with three well-known “characters” and to write each name on one piece of paper.

The characters can be real or imaginary, alive or dead, famous, but no criminals, please. Tell them that, ideally, the characters should have distinctive personalities. Some examples are Superman, Gandhi, Einstein, James Bond, Rocky, Harry Potter, Darth Vader, or Lucy from Peanuts.

Collect all the papers and then have each team choose two from the bunch and complete a handout for each character.

After 15 minutes, ask the teams to report what they learned from their characters.         

Discussion Questions

1. Which characters handle conflict the most effectively? In what ways are they effective?
2. Which characters don’t handle conflict well? What do they do that’s ineffective?
3. What are some techniques we can learn from our characters to help us resolve conflict?
4. What are some weaknesses we can be aware of?
5. What are some things we can teach our characters?

paper and pens

role play, experiential learning, discussion

The facilitator can create the character papers in advance.

The essence/basis of the exercise is that the participants become aware of their own personal values, qualities as well as the weak points of their character. The trainers should devote the same amount of time to both points of character, because both the positive and the less positive personal characteristics allow the person to deal with conflicts, in their own way. In the end, a cue for the trainer can be what a person can do with the weaker qualities, to make them stronger, and use them to help solve life's challenges.

Adapted from “The big book of conflict resolution games: “Quick, Effective Activities to Improve Communication, Trust, and Collaboration” by Mary Scannell, Mc Graw Hill 2010.

Integra Institute

What a bunch of Characters (made by participants – see description above)