How Modes impact elements of character

 

I think various modes of memoirs/stories can be really powerful in portraying the character behind the published author. Character is often an element of writing that is seen (sometimes minimally) through the author’s tone in a written piece. How someone writes and their word choice dictate how the readers perceive them. I think other modes such as drawings and video essays help to create a clearer picture. For example, in George Watsky’s video essay the viewer was able to see his mannerisms and attitudes in moments when there was no speaking. We can see all his awkward moments and learn to classify him as an awkward, sarcastic guy. Moreover, Jaed Coffin’s Ted Talk also adds more elements to his character than his written words published in the NY Times. I liked both pieces somewhat equally, but I really got a sense of Coffin’s background from hearing him talk and seeing the pictures of his family. His story comes to life from his spoken words in a way that is harder to reach with only written words. One element that is extremely clear in his Ted Talk but harder to perceive in his essay is that Coffin is extremely humble. Coffin speaks with obvious pride of his mother but does not speak about her achievements as if to brag. Instead, he uses her experiences to prove his point about what it means to be an American. Regardless, any viewer can see that Coffin is wise, humble and proud of his background, without him ever saying so directly.