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Majority Complete |
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None |
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Major Characters |
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Partial |
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Author: |
David Obst | |
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Source Material: Film | |
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Genre: |
Comedy | |
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Setting: |
Adams | |
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Period: |
Present | |
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Analysis by: |
Mark Haslett & George Wu |
Name: Lewis
ID: Main Character
Gender: Male
Description:
Lewis is an unselfconscious nerd who expects to enjoy all the mythic fun involved in going to college.
Role: Head Nerd
Character Type: Complex
Characteristics:
Motivation: Consider; Pursuit; Logic
Methodology: Nonacceptance; Production
Name: Gilbert
ID: Impact Character
Gender: Male
Role: Co-Head Nerd
Character Type: Complex
Characteristics:
Motivation: Disbelief; Feeling
Methodology: Acceptance; Reduction
Name: Betty
Gender: Female
Role: Pi Delta Sorority Leader
Characteristics:
Motivation: Temptation; Hinder
Methodology: Reevaluation
Name: Booger
Gender: Male
Role: Disgusting Nerd
Characteristics:
Methodology: Certainty; Reaction
Purpose: Desire
Name: Judy
Gender: Female
Role: Omega Mu
Character Type: Complex
Characteristics:
Motivation: Faith; Support; Conscience
Purpose: Equity
Name: Lamar
Gender: Male
Role: Nerd
Characteristics:
Methodology: Possibility
Name: Ogre
Gender: Male
Role: Disgusting Alpha Beta
Characteristics:
Motivation: Oppose; Uncontrolled
Purpose: Chaos
Name: Poindexter
Gender: Male
Role: Nerd
Characteristics:
Methodology: Deduction; Inaction
Name: Stan
Gender: Male
Role: Alpha Beta Frat Head
Characteristics:
Motivation: Reconsider; Avoidance; Control
Methodology: Proaction; Probability; Evaluation
Purpose: Ability
Name: Takashi
Gender: Male
Role: Nerd
Characteristics:
Methodology: Induction
Purpose: Knowledge
Name: U.N. Jefferson
Gender: Male
Role: Tri-Lambda Head
Character Type: Complex
Characteristics:
Motivation: Help
Methodology: Protection
Name: Wormser
Gender: Male
Role: Young Nerd
Characteristics:
Methodology: Potentiality
Main Character Resolve as it relates to Steadfast:
Lewis sticks to his original path of actively pursuing a great time in college. He faces the idea that he is a nerd, but he doesn't let it dissuade him from any goals he has set for himself. Lewis emerges from the story with the same motivations with which he entered.
Impact Character Resolve as it relates to Change:
Main Character Growth as it relates to Stop:
Lewis holds fast against the onslaught of the Alpha-Betas and the Pi Deltas who persecute him for being a nerd. They are pressuring him, with the help of the Greek Council and the football coach, to give up trying to amount to anything at Adams, and Lewis remains steadfast until they stop.
Main Character Approach as it relates to Do-er:
Lewis's first response to a problem is to do something about it. He immediately starts looking for a house for the nerds, he finds the house, he asks Betty out the first time he talks to her, he invents a robot to clean up for him, etc. He actively tries to change his situation to one that suits him.
Main Character Problem-Solving Style as it relates to Logical:
Lewis's first way of understanding anything is structural and he is able to objectify any problem or idea. He sees getting a house as a set of steps which he tackles one at a time. When he seduces Betty by pretending to be her boyfriend in a mask, he sees it as an act of obtaining her, rather than a process of deceiving her.
Story Driver as it relates to Action:
In this story, actions lead to decisions. The Alpha-Beta house burns down, so they have to determine where to stay; the football team throws the freshmen out of their dorm, so the nerds have to decide where to live. It is also the action of the Alpha Betas trashing the nerds' house which forces Lewis to face his moment of truth and decide to remain steadfast and show up at the rally to support Gilbert.
Story Limit as it relates to Optionlock:
It is when the objective characters run out of options that the story is forced to a climax. The nerds have done everything it seems they can to redeem themselves in the face of the school, yet when the Alpha Betas trash their house, the nerds find out they are still nerds. It is then, with the pep rally focusing on the Alpha Betas, that Lewis and Gilbert acknowledge their problems and decide to face their nemesis one last time.
Story Outcome as it relates to Success:
The nerds establish a fraternity, get control of the Greek Council, inspire the Dean to act in their support, shame the Alpha Betas, find women to date, and win respect for themselves as nerds.
Story Judgment as it relates to Good:
Lewis's decision to remain steadfast is seen ultimately to be good. He succeeds in changing the way nerds are treated at Adams and resolves the conflicts between his environment and the way he is.
Overall Story Name: "Geeks to Greeks"
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Situation:
The (nerds) Tri-Lamdas and the Alpha-Betas are caught up in a situation--a power struggle in the Greek system at Adams.
Concern as it relates to The Future:
The purpose of the characters' actions lie in trying to obtain a future state, from heading up the Greek Council, to graduating from college.
Issue as it relates to Preconception :
The theme explores characters who are unwilling to re-evaluate their preconceived notions, specifically their prejudice against the nerds.
Counterpoint as it relates to Openness :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Preconception vs. Openness:
Problem as it relates to Uncontrolled:
The nerds do not have any control over living without interference from the Alpha-Betas, and the Alpha-Betas want to, but cannot, control the nerds either.
Solution as it relates to Control:
To preserve their own way of life, the Tri-Lamdas and the Alpha-Betas seek control of the Greek Council.
Symptom as it relates to Hinder:
The characters believe their problems to come from their hindrance of one another. The Alpha-Betas hinder the nerd's lifestyle by sending pigs into their party and putting a flaming nerd sign in front of their house. The nerds retaliate by hindering the Alpha-Betas' rule over the school.
Response as it relates to Help:
The characters try to solve their problems through help. The nerds get help from U.N. Jefferson, who sponsors their fraternity. The Alpha-Betas get help from an unwilling Dean Ulich to kick out freshmen from their own dorm, and from Coach Harris who influences the school.
Catalyst as it relates to Openness:
The willingness to re-evaluate moves the story along. After bad times in high school, Lewis and Gilbert are open to overcoming their social difficulties in college. Their openness capitulates them into conflict with the Alpha-Betas and Pi Deltas. U.N. Jefferson decides to help the nerds after an initial bad impression which allows them to resist the other Greeks.
Inhibitor as it relates to Self Interest:
Self-interest slows down the story. The characters do not attend to their objective goal when they pursue their self-interests--dealing with their conflict with the jocks. For example, both Lewis and Gilbert go off and pursue Judy and Betty.
Benchmark as it relates to The Past:
The nerds utilize Gilbert's earlier idea of winning the homecoming carnival to beat the jocks.
Goal as it relates to The Future:
All of the characters are trying to achieve a future state--to head the Greek Council. If the nerds achieve this goal, their protection is ensured. If the Alpha-Betas achieve this goal, they can continue oppressing the nerds.
Consequence as it relates to Innermost Desires:
Failure to capture the Greek Council seat will lead to negative consequences in fulfilling the characters' basic drives and desires. The nerds' social needs will continue to be oppressed if they fail.
Cost as it relates to Changing One's Nature:
The nerds fail to transform themselves into "beautiful people."
Dividend as it relates to Obtaining:
On their way to the goal, the nerds obtain victory at the homecoming carnival, obtain the opportunity to observe the Pi sorority undressed, obtain retaliation against the jocks by putting liquid heat in their jock straps.
Requirements as it relates to The Past:
Prerequisites as it relates to Memories:
Preconditions as it relates to Developing a Plan:
In order to fulfill the requirement, the nerds must figure out how to implement a successful party, a condition imposed upon them by U.N. Jefferson and the Lamda organization.
Forewarnings as it relates to Understanding:
As the nerds come to understand that retaliations against the Alpha-Betas is insufficient to protect themselves from them -- particularly after their house gets trashed even though they win the carnival -- the nerds worry more about how far they have come.
Main vs. Impact Story Name: "Are We Not Nerds?"
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Fixed Attitude:
The area where Lewis and Gilbert diverge is in their state of mind. Lewis is confident about their success in college and ignorant of his nerdiness, while Gilbert is anxious and accepting of his nerdiness.
Concern as it relates to Innermost Desires:
Lewis and Gilbert are concerned about the basic drives that make them nerds. Gilbert tries to make Lewis aware of it, but Lewis finds it unimportant.
Issue as it relates to Denial :
Gilbert makes Lewis face his denial of being a nerd.
Counterpoint as it relates to Closure :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Denial vs. Closure:
Problem as it relates to Temptation:
Lewis always attempts to embrace immediate benefits despite the possible consequences. For example, courting Betty leads to earning the wrath of the jocks; trying to join Alpha Beta gets him and Gilbert tarred and feathered. In the meantime, Gilbert tries to dissuade him from indulgence because he believes, as nerds, they cannot succeed.
Solution as it relates to Conscience:
Gilbert points Lewis toward foregoing immediate benefits to consider the consequences, but Lewis does not listen and they end up in conflict with the Alpha-Betas.
Symptom as it relates to Hinder:
Gilbert tries hindering Lewis by expressing his doubts about trying to join a fraternity.
Response as it relates to Help:
Lewis tries to help Gilbert understand that they can have fun regardless of what Gilbert thinks of their image, but with each attack by the Alpha-Betas, Lewis comes to see that it does matter. Gilbert eventually understands Lewis's point of view and helps him to not give up.
Catalyst as it relates to Closure:
Trying to bring their troubles to an end by gaining respect for the nerds is what moves along the interaction between Lewis and Gilbert.
Inhibitor as it relates to Commitment:
Progress is slowed when Lewis makes commitments regardless of the consequences, for example, pursuing Betty despite Gilbert's warnings.
Benchmark as it relates to Memories:
Lewis and Gilbert's situation can be measured in relation to their memories of similar experiences in high school. Gilbert is more conscious of it than Lewis.
Role: Head Nerd
Description:
Lewis is an unselfconscious nerd who expects to enjoy all the mythic fun involved in going to college.
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Activity:
The general area in which Lewis operates is activity. Lewis is constantly working on improving his place at Adams, whether by decorating his original dorm room and setting up a robot to do the cleaning, or establishing a new fraternity on campus for nerds. Generally, whenever we see Lewis, he is doing something related to making a better place for him and his friends at Adams.
Concern as it relates to Obtaining:
As Lewis is constantly engaged in activity, it is directed toward creating an atmosphere of kindness for him and his friends at Adams. Obtaining Betty for a girlfriend would also be nice.
Issue as it relates to Attitude :
Lewis's efforts are characterized by his attitude. He is very confident about getting whatever he thinks people ought to be able to get in college, from the pretty girl on campus to brotherhood in the most exclusive fraternity. This attitude is contrary to his handicap of being an obvious nerd, yet Lewis holds to it to the point of being tarred and feathered. His thematic focus might be described as the attitude that you have means more than how people perceive you.
Counterpoint as it relates to Approach :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Attitude vs. Approach:
Problem as it relates to Oppose:
Lewis's problem, and the source of his drive, is his opposition to the way he is treated as a nerd which has the potential of holding him back from fulfilling all his dreams of college life. He is even opposed to the idea that he is a nerd, or that any such label should mean anything in terms of what he can and cannot expect to do. He opposes the Alpha-Betas and the Pi Deltas and eventually the whole anti-nerd establishment in his final speech.
Solution as it relates to Support:
What would satisfy Lewis' drive and end his problem with the way he and his friends are treated is to find support for nerds. Ultimately, he finds support from his friends, from Betty, and from the homecoming crowd.
Symptom as it relates to Hinder:
Lewis believes his problem is in all the hindering applied to his attempts to live out his college dreams. He does not really see his nerdiness as a limitation like others -- the Alpha-Betas, the Pi Deltas, Coach Harris, and even Gilbert -- do. Their hindrance is what Lewis sees as preventing his happiness.
Response as it relates to Help:
Lewis applies himself to helping his friends find a place to stay, setting up a fraternity, retaliating against the other Greeks, and winning the homecoming game. He helps Gilbert become head of the Greek Council and helps Gilbert face his own problems of feeling powerless.
Unique Ability as it relates to Approach:
Lewis's methodology of attacking problems without doubt or hesitation makes him uniquely qualified to lead the nerds to establish their own place at Adams. Lewis's call for support from the parents and alumni during the climactic pep-rally is a success.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Delay:
Lewis's efforts are undermined by a quality of delay. He is generally very quick to apply himself to any problem and is usually successful, but he delays looking at his own nerdiness and at what the effects of being a nerd can have on other students. This leads him to the Alpha-Beta house where he is tarred and feathered.
Benchmark as it relates to Understanding:
Lewis tries to face his problem by understanding what it means to be a nerd, when he finally admits he is one. His increasing comprehension that he and his friends are nerds, and that this is why they are hindered, reflects the degree to which his stand against the Alpha-Betas is holding out. When he fully appreciates what is going on, it is the greatest test to his resolve, but it leads to his greatest moment.
Role: Co-Head Nerd
Description:
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Manipulation:
The general area where Gilbert operates is in a way of thinking. He has an attitude that he doesn't deserve all the great things Lewis believes is a part of college life, like having girls in their dorm room or joining a fraternity, because he is a nerd. Gilbert's attitude changes as Lewis is able to help him achieve what he originally wouldn't allow himself to have.
Concern as it relates to Changing One's Nature:
Gilbert's area of concern has to do with changing his nature, whether by surprising himself in getting a girlfriend or gathering the nerve to stand up to the people who make him feel that being a nerd is bad. He is concerned with the changes he senses and with what he's becoming as a result of his and Lewis's success in banding together.
Issue as it relates to Obligation :
Gilbert accepts the obligation of helping the nerds win the homecoming carnival with the benefit of becoming head of the Greek Council. Fulfilling this obligation helps overcome his rationalization for not stepping out of his nerd role.
Counterpoint as it relates to Rationalization :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Obligation vs. Rationalization:
Problem as it relates to Uncontrolled:
Gilbert finds his life to be uncontrolled as a nerd since others pick on him at their discretion.
Solution as it relates to Control:
Gilbert must make others respect nerds in order to take control of his life.
Symptom as it relates to Temptation:
Gilbert is tempted to be wilder like the other nerds, but is inhibited by his belief that being a nerd, something rotten will come of it.
Response as it relates to Conscience:
Initially, Gilbert follows his conscience of not confronting others in order to limit the potential repercussions of his nerdiness.
Unique Ability as it relates to Rationalization:
Critical Flaw as it relates to Hope:
Benchmark as it relates to Developing a Plan:
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