The interdependence of character and plot in the Gospel of John : a rhetorical approach

Abstract

Since the rise of biblical literary criticism, various elements of narrative have fascinated many scholars. Among these elements, characters and plot often occupy the central position. Biblical narrative critics have also repeatedly asserted the importance and interdependence of characters and plot. Unfortunately, this assertion still needs clarification and justification. Only a very few scholars closely connect characters and plot. Fewer are able to provide a satisfying theoretical framework to investigate both characters and plot in John’s Gospel. For that reason, this dissertation attempts to discover how the interdependence of characters and plot actually works in the Gospel. Such an endeavour needs one adequate literary theory that can explain both characters and plot at once without borrowing from other theories or approaches. Among the available theories and approaches, this study prefers James Phelan’s rhetorical theory. Some of Phelan’s basic concepts are as follows: (1) characters cannot be studied without taking the plot into consideration, and vice versa; (2) characters have three components: mimetic, synthetic, and thematic; (3) which component will be foregrounded depends on the nature of a narrative; (4) characters’ traits may or may not affect the plot; (5) readers take different roles in the narrative: as narrative audiences, authorial audiences, and ideal audiences; (6) there are two levels of dynamics: textual and readerly; (7) readers exercise three kinds of judgment: interpretive, ethical, and aesthetical. This dissertation chooses to apply the theory only to three characters: the Jews, Peter, and Nicodemus. There are two reasons behind the choice. These characters appear often enough throughout the narrative. They also appear in diverse positions in the text: the beginning, middle, and ending. These two factors are necessary to assess their possible developments as the narrative moves forward. The application of Phelan’s theory to these three characters produces several new insights. Characters are not only plot functionaries. Their role goes beyond merely a foil to serve theological teaching. Their function cannot be limited to revealing who Jesus is, symbolizing different faith stances, or representing certain historical figures. Some of their traits at times are only intended to reinforce the mimetic and synthetic components without any theological meaning or any effect for the plot. At times each character displays complex and conflicting traits. They are not flat (one dimensional) characters.