Just Mercy: character backstory analysis
First, watch the movie Just Mercy. The movie is available on HBO and a number of other video streaming services.
Complex, three dimensional characters often have a backstory, a meaningful tale from their past that significantly contributes to the person that they are today. Please keep this in mind as you write this week’s response.
One of the most pivotal characters in Just Mercy is a man by the name of Ralph Myers. In fact, the State of Alabama’s entire case against Walter McMillian is based on testimony from Myers. Without his original testimony, McMillan would never be incarcerated and without Myers recanting his testimony, McMillian would never have been released.
Write a brief 250 word analysis of two characters that explains their backstory. For the first paragraph, write about Ralph Myers. In your analysis, please consider the following:
What idiosyncratic details do you notice about Myers?
What are his physical characteristics and why are they important to the overall portrayal of his character?
What do his physical characteristics tell viewers about his backstory? In other words, how do some of his physical characteristics make him a complex, three dimensional character?
Why do you think that Myers ultimately recants his testimony against McMillian?
For the second paragraph, write about another character of your choice. In your response, explain the significance of their backstory in the portrayal of their character.
