Final answer:
When assessing characters from two stories, the complexity of their situations, character development, gender representation, and adherence to literary movements are critical in evaluating the difficulty they face. Heroism and power dynamics also play a significant role in their character arcs, as well as the metaphorical tension that reflects their struggles.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing two characters from different stories, one must consider the complexities they encounter and how these challenges shape their journey and development. The difficulty of the situations both characters face can be assessed on various fronts such as character vs. character, character vs. self, character vs. environment, character vs. society, and character vs. fate or the supernatural. It's essential to analyze if the characters are static/flat, meaning they do not change, or dynamic/round, indicating they experience significant development throughout the story.
Furthermore, the critique of gender representation must be addressed by analyzing if the male and female characters are portrayed with depth, making them fully formed and believable. Additionally, whether the stories adhere to elements of Realistic or Naturalistic fiction would also influence the perception of the challenges the characters face and their actions, thus affecting the idea of heroism. In some narratives, traditional heroism can be subverted as the story may portray protagonists with flaws or in situations where they are not in a position of power.
The dynamics of power and freedom as seen through the narratives' lens can further inform the audience about the characters' struggles. It is also valuable to consider if characters are concealing their true selves, effectively wearing "masks," and how this impacts their interactions and the plot. Lastly, one must take into account if the tension within the story remains consistent, much like the tension in a literal rope that holds characters hanging in suspense, as seen in Figure 4.39's superhero context. Such tension can be metaphorical for a character's struggle and distinct predicaments in both narratives.