Things I Know to be True: character motivation and interaction

General Overview

“Things I Know To Be True” is an Australian play by Andrew Bovell, which explores the dynamics and relationships within the Price family. Each character in the play has unique motivations and interactions which drive the storyline forward.

Bob Price is the patriarch of the Price family. His character is defined by his hard-working nature, having spent his entire life tending to his garden. His motivations largely revolve around securing a safe and stable future for his family. However, his strict adherence to traditional values often causes conflicts with his children.

Fran Price, the matriarch, cares deeply for her family and is driven by her desire to keep the family unit intact. Fran’s interactions often stem from a place of nurturing love, but she can also be controlling, wanting to maintain the family’s image and stability.

Pip Price, the eldest child, is driven by her desire for independence and self-realisation. Her decision to leave her family and pursue her career shows her motivations to carve out her own identity separate from her family, causing significant friction.

Mark Price, the only son in the family, struggles with his identity. His interactions are mostly characterised by internal conflict and hesitance, having difficulty expressing his true self to his family.

Rosie Price, the youngest, is the most naive and inexperienced character. Her motivation stems from her romanticised view of love and longing to experience life away from home. However, she struggles with harsh realities, reflecting her struggle to reconcile her desires with reality.

Ben Price, the second oldest, seeks validation and prestige. His interactions are driven by his ambition and desire to prove himself, often leading him to make poor decisions.

It’s essential to understand how each character’s motivations and interactions drive the play’s narrative, reflect on their complexities, and analyse how their decisions affect others in the family.
Recognition of the characters’ strengths and weaknesses, their motivations, and their interactions with others provides deeper insight for performing, staging or evaluating the play.
The play uses these complex characters to explore themes of love, family dynamics, personal identity, and the often painful transition to adulthood. The characters’ clashes, reconciliations, and transformative moments provide rich material for dramatic portrayals and interpretations.
In order to fully grasp the intricacies of “Things I Know To Be True,” detailed analysis of character motivation and interaction is vital. It can allow for a broader understanding of character development and narrative progression within the play.