Discuss character motivation and mental health identity; articulate evidence of bias and assumptions of sex, race, gender and stigma of mental illness.

Assignment Overview:You will analyze the character motivations and themes in the play Next to Normal. You can read the play or watch a filmed version (there are a few available on YouTube, such as this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkJxw1qiZ-c). While exploring this story, pay careful attention to each character’s motivation in the face of crisis and the assumptions and bias towards definitions of mental illness. Part 1: Story Structural AnalysisNext to Normal is a musical told from multiple perspectives. To properly analyze how the characters face the challenges, you will need to graph the events of the play in chronological order. Diagram or outline the following events in the play:Backstory/Exposition Inciting Incident Rising Action Climax Resolution/Falling Action Part 2: Character AnalysisNow that you have the structure of the play, you can proceed to analyze how each character functions or changes over time. You must provide an analysis of each family member. Provide a description of each character (age, background, sex, gender, profession, etc.) and address how their identity as normal or not normal is seen in medicine. Reference the materials in the section in how mental illness is perceived, treated, and acknowledged in medicine. Part 3: Theme AnalysisHow does this play illustrate medicine as a science or art. What is most important in this play; acknowledge or subterfuge? How is the relationship between patient and medical professional socially constructed? Discuss and analyze the tension between the role of mother, father, child and the role of patient? Reference the materials in this section when exploring these ideas. Diagram or outline structure of play in chronological order; identify and articulate key dramatic moments in the play. Discuss character motivation and mental health identity; articulate evidence of bias and assumptions of sex, race, gender and stigma of mental illness.Analyze themes in the play; demonstrate how themes are developed and presented in dramatic forms.