Cloud Nine: character motivation and interaction

Character Motivation in “Cloud Nine”

Clive:

Clive’s initial motivation is to uphold the Victorian patriarchal values and aid in the process of colonisation. He rewards and celebrates traditional societal roles and discourages any form of resistance or subversion.
Later, as times change in Act 2, Clive loses his authority and grip over his family. He grapples with the shifting paradigms of society and his place within them.

Betty:

Betty’s primary motivation in Act 1 is for acceptance and validation from her husband, Clive, and the patriarchal society she lives in. She conforms to her ‘dutiful wife’ role, suppressing her own desires and agency.
In Act 2, Betty’s motivation shifts towards self-discovery and independence following her separation from Clive. She steps out of the shadows of her husband and starts exploring her own identity and desires.

Edward:

As a child in Act 1, Edward tries to live up to his father’s expectations of masculinity. He hides his homosexual desires, registering them as ‘wrong’ due to the societal norms of his upbringing.
In Act 2, his motivation revolves around accepting his homosexuality and liberating himself from internalised homophobia. He strives for emotional stability and relationship fulfilment.

Victoria:

In Act 1, Victoria is represented as a doll, reflecting society’s rigid expectations for women and silencing women’s voices. She has no distinct motivation in this act due to her symbolism rather than characterisation.
In Act 2, her motivations unfold as she strives for emotional and sexual fulfilment, simultaneously dealing with marital dissatisfaction and desires for independence and self-worth.

Joshua:

Act 1 introduces Joshua as a native African servant loyal to his British colonial masters. His apparent motivation seems to adhere to his place as defined by the colonial rulers.
Underneath, there exists a suppressed anger and resentment towards the colonial masters which erupts violently towards the end of Act 1.

Character Interaction in “Cloud Nine”

Clive and Betty:

Clive and Betty’s interaction in Act 1 reflects the Victorian ideal of patriarchal marriage—Clive as the dominant figure and Betty, the submissive partner.
The dynamics shift in Act 2, with Betty becoming more independent.

Edward and Harry / Gerry:

Edward’s interaction with Harry in Act 1 is coloured by hidden homosexual desires. In spite of societal taboo, their shared kiss becomes the boy’s introduction to his repressed sexuality.
In Act 2, Edward’s interaction with Gerry revolves around the complexities and challenges of a homosexual relationship in the modern world.

Victoria and Lin:

Their interaction in Act 2 sheds light on the issues women face in their romantic and sexual relationships with men and explores the catalysts and consequences of a lesbian romantic affair in their search for fulfilment.

Betty and Ellen / Mrs Saunders:

Betty’s interaction with Ellen and Mrs Saunders in Act 1 provides key insights into the suppression of female voices and desires. These interactions lead to subversive acts that stand against patriarchal norms.

Each character’s motivation and interaction in ‘Cloud Nine’ serve as a critique of the oppressive societal norms, taboos and stigmas. It showcases the complexity and fluidity of identity, demonstrating how societal structures impact personal development and relationships.