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pandastern · 4 years

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Gravity (Bakugou x OC)

Part 1: A Huntress stalks the night

Bakugou x Vigilante!OC

Warnings: angst, explicit language, violence

Word count: 2143

Genre: enemies to lovers ; angst ; romance

When a new student makes an entrance, Bakugou has a real bad feeling. There is something about this girl that just doesnt feel right. From the flaming hair to the calculating glint in her green eyes, everything about her just pisses him off.

Little does he know that his fate is intertwined with the person he despises so much, defining his future path in a way he would have never expected.

“Hostage Situation: six civilians inside, one with the criminal on the roof at gunpoint, all of them women.”

Katsuki looked up into the night sky, eyeing the small figures on the rooftop. The criminal was standing close to the edge, pressing a gun against the temple of the hostage in his arms. It was quite high up, and the building was old, so Katsuki would have to be careful going in. One wrong explosion and the whole thing could come down, burying heroes, villains and civilians all the same. He had to admit, the criminal was smart.

“Ground Zero?”

The voice of the police officer with his tablet at hand snapped him out of his thought.

“I know the goddamn situation,” he growled, and dedicated his attention back to the victim. He’d need backup for this one, despite how much he hated it. Usually he worked alone, his quirk versatile enough to ensure success. But this was different. Green lightning hit the ground next to him and made people around him gasp and jump aside.

“Seems like they were counting on you to show up here, Ka-chan,” Deku said, straightening after his landing and clapping his childhood friend on the back. “Got your call. What’s the plan?”

There had been times when the familiarity Deku treated him with had made him go off in a rage. But now he was older and knew damn well even he needed support at times.

“Seven victims. One piece of shit with a gun holding a hostage on the roof. Rickety building,” he grumbled, crossing his arms. He’d love to just blow this vermin to bits and be done with it. But it wasn’t that kind of day.

“Fuckin’ bastards.”

“Hmm. So, we have to be careful going inside. The building could-”

“I fucking know that. That’s why you’re here, for fuck’s sake,” Katsuki snapped. “You go inside and look after the women. I’ll take care of the vermin on the roof.”

Not being in the mood for quite so many words, he stomped off. Deku knew how to work with him, so there was no need to talk strategy.

Heavy rain drummed on the asphalt, soaking Katsuki to the bone. A shiver ran over his skin as he checked where best to enter and get on top of the building, the big full moon illuminating his way. He’d worked these streets as a hero ten fucking years now. It was becoming increasingly hard to be surprised at the cruelty and oftentimes stupidity of criminals and villains, putting civilians in danger or causing chaos in his city.

Soon, he found the back entrance of the neighbouring building. It was a little shorter than the one he was trying to get on top of, but he figured he could just blast himself up there with a well-planted explosion. Quickly, he strode up the staircase of the abandoned building, taking two or three steps at a time.

He had every reason to hurry. Criminals like this never had good nerves, especially those who held innocent people at gunpoint, and as soon as Deku started doing his thing inside, the man on top would surely be alarmed.

From outside he heard screams and the sound of guns going off. Speak of the devil…

“Shit! Fucking awesome,” he hissed and quickened his step, sprinting up the last flight of stars before throwing himself against the metal door of the roof.

The moment he stepped outside, raindrops drummed down on him like hail, the wind up here turning the water droplets almost into shards of ice. Not that he was able to feel much cold.

Katsuki let out a curse and rushed to the edge of the building. Down on the ground, he could make out some of his fellow colleagues having it out with a group of villains that had emerged from the shadows. They would be okay, he knew that. His attention returned to the man standing alone in the moonlight.

They weren’t too far apart, so his calculations had been spot on. But he couldn’t just blast up there if he didn’t want to risk the life of the sobbing woman with the gun to her head.

Shit. Great. Because he was so good with negotiating.

“You better let her go, you shitfaced bastard!” he roared up through the heavy rain. “You know damn well I’ll blast you to shit if you hurt her.”

“Fuck you!” the criminal shouted back in a high pitched voice. ”You won’t do shit! Number two hero, my ass. You can’t do nuthin’ ‘cause you can’t have her dead!”

Growling a string of curses Katsuki desperately tried to come up with a way to get up to the building without endangering the victim so he could beat the ever living shit out of that arsehole.

“Ka-chan! What’s the situation?”

The voice coming out of the communication device in his ear made him flinch.

“That fucker has the woman too close to the edge,” said Katsuki. “I’m gonna blast up there and kick him in the face before he can actually shoot. Can you create a distraction inside?”

“Uhh.” The sound of shots being fired “I’ll do my best but im under fire! Give me a minute.”

“We don’t have a fucking minute, Deku!”

This was why he worked alone. Usually. This bullshit was ripping his nerves to shreds.

“Just do it, Deku! Make yourself fucking useful and stop playing,” Bakugou hissed into the device.

“You fucking heroes think you can do whatever you want. I’ll show you! I’ll take this bitch with me before I die!” came another shriek from the upper roof. This dude really was pushing his luck.

Through the strong rain, Katsuki watched as the burly man dragged the helpless woman closer towards the edge. Was he going to throw her off?

His body moved quickly, getting ready to either blast up there or somehow catch the falling woman.

“You better not fucking move! I’ll rip you to shreds and feed you your own shi-”

Katsuki heard something slice through air and rain like an arrow, followed by a wet thud. The world fell quiet, as if time were standing still.

Katsuki’s blood grew cold. An ice arrow had lodged itself right between the criminal’s eyes. The burly man staggered, one step, then another, dropping the weapon he had been holding. Then he fell, and with him the woman.

“Fuck!”

Katsuki flung himself into the air, the explosion of his quirk giving him the needed momentum. He grabbed the falling woman in midair, wrapping his arms around her before the two of them hit the window of the opposite building. Glass shattered and sliced Katsuki’s exposed skin as he rolled over the floor, trying not to break any of his or the woman’s bones.

“Ka-chan!” Deku’s voice sounded relieved and shocked at the same time. “What happ-”

Katsuki had no time to reply. The assassin was still out there. He knew she was. Why the fuck was she here again? He should have known better. She always got involved in shit like this.

“Take her outside!” he barked, and thrust the woman he’d just saved into his friend’s arms. “It’s her! She shot the bastard.”

Realisation dawned on Deku’s face and he turned pale. Without a word, he picked up the sobbing but apparently unharmed woman and rushed downstairs while Bakugou flung himself out of the window again. It only took a few blasts for him to get to the top of the building.

“Where are you?” he yelled into the dark. It had to be her. He knew it was her. Only one person took out villains with that kind of technique. Arrows of ice - her one signature, because they never left any traces once melted. “Show yourself!”

“No need to yell. I’m right here, Katsuki.”

A chill ran down Katsuki’s spine. He’d recognize that voice anywhere. It had been haunting his dreams for so many years now. The slight drawl to his name, the accent forming around Japanese words.

He turned to face the assassin.

There she was, untamed red hair glowing in the moonlight like a flame, her small frame outlined by the full moon. The Huntress vigilante that stalked the night.

“Artemis,” he said. His voice sounded rough.

Something painful stirred in his chest and he cursed himself.

She still had the water bow that her quirk had allowed her to form in her hand. Green eyes gleamed at him through the black mask that covered half of her face. There was a softness to them, something he knew she held only for him.

“It’s been a while,” she said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Don’t give me that shit,” he hissed, his heart clenching in his chest. How many times had she spoiled his cases this way? Killing without mercy and leaving no traces behind. But he knew her. The way she moved, talked, even her scent was something he could pick out of a thousand people.

She shrugged and the bow in her hand disintegrated.

“You’re welcome, by the way. If I hadn’t shot him, I wonder what would’ve happened next. Would you have blown him off the roof? Flung yourself at him and gotten her shot? Or would you have waited for him to shoot her and then blow him up?” she purred with feigned disinterest. “Either way, there would have been a sacrifice… What great Hero work.”

“Oh, but shooting him in the face and making him drop her is better?” he growled.

“I think I’ve calculated quite well though,” she replied. “I mean, you did catch her, no?”

A deep growl rumbled in Katsuki’s chest.

“Stop playing games, Artemis! This needs to stop. Soon I won’t be able to keep them from putting a fucking bounty on your head! Then every Hero and their grandma will be on your arse.”

“Ah yes, the ever so dangerous hero grandma. How frightful,” she chuckled.

"You think this is a joke? You want to fucking die?”

Artemis’ face fell into a cool mask. “I don’t need your help. Like any of you was ever able to catch me. Don’t waste your time with things that don’t concern you, Ground Zero.”

Bakugou cursed again. How many times had he had this conversation with her? Why wouldn’t she just listen? What was all this for?

“Artemis.” He spoke her name as a plea. Ten years. Ten years of running after her. Trying to understand her. Trying to get her back.

“Ka-chan!” Deku’s voice echoed through the night, followed by green lightning as the current number one hero landed next to him on the roof. Deku had visible scratches on his skin and bruises that were about to form, but Bakugou couldn’t bring himself to take away his gaze from the woman standing in front of him.

“Hello, Izuku. Fancy meeting you here,” Artemis said as if greeting an old friend. “You’ve certainly looked better if I remember right. Have the men inside pushed you a little far? You’re getting soft.”

Deku’s green eyes widened as he met the eyes of the assassin.

“No, I held back so I wouldn’t injure anyone beyond repair.” Delu spoke calmly, but there was a rare hint of steel in his voice.

Artemis shrugged before taking a step back towards the edge of the roof.

“Dont you dare think about fucking off like this!” Katsuki growled. “You stay right where you are.”

“Or what?” Artemis’ smirk sent a shiver down his spine. She was toying with him.

“Why are you doing this, Artemis?” Deku asked.

“I have my reasons,” Artemis replied with ice in her voice. “No need for you to worry your pretty little head with it.”

She took another step back, then another.

Moving at the same time, the heroes stepped forward, but the huntress held out a hand.

“Ah, I wouldn’t.” She held up a warning finger. “Before you act, I’d like you to remind you that it’s raining. Which means you’re outmatched.”

She was right. She was so right and Katsuki hated it. In an earnest fight, he could have overpowered her, but if she was just trying to make a run for it, her quirk would undoubtedly give her the advantage in this situation. Bakugou knew that. He’d seen it happen so many goddamn times.

“Well then, gentlemen. I bid you farewell,” she said, and pulled up her hood. “Stop searching for me, Katsuki. You won’t like what you find.”

With that, she flung herself backwards off the roof.

“No!” A scream ripped from Katsuki’s lungs as he rushed forward, trying to get a hold of her, but she slipped through his fingers like water and disappeared into the night.

He’d failed again. How many times more?

#bakugou katsuki #katsuki bakugō #bakugou x oc #bakugou x reader #my hero academia #mha x reader #mha x oc #boku no hero academia #bnha #gravity #fanfiction #enemies to lovers #angst #vigilante!Oc

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tumblunni · 6 years

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Oh, and i can't remember if i ever talked fully about my Happ Redemption Ending Fic Ideas For Charon!

Basically HE BECOMES GRANDPA! The main redemption would come about through reuniting him with rotom, but then i thought way too much about what he would do after the redemption too. I kinda turned it into a whole fangame idea, about an au where dawn/lucas/whatever-you-named-your-protagonist doesn't exist, and instead we explore from the perspective of a galactic grunt and see the day saved through everyone's friendship with their boss helping to talk him down. And along the way of your character helping out all the admins and bringing them closer together, you'd naturally pick one as your favourite. And cos the protagonist grunt doesn't have anywhere to stay after the team disbands, redeemed!Charon would adopt you as his grandkid. Or you could get a new mom/dad/sibling/boyfriend/girlfriend/roommate with everyone else, and find equal amounts of daww! Tho i never ended up making this project cos i got too tied up in squeeing over these cute happy endings for sad villains and like... Couldnt write the actual beginning, lol

So yeah! Anyway! The charons!

The happy epilogue for him would involve him and his reunited rotom returning to the abandoned Old Chateau where he lived as a kid. You helping him through his self worth issues means he's finally given up on his dream of being a famous scientist at any cost, no matter how much it hurts people. But he hasn't given up on his dreams entirely, he's just now able to research pokemon out of pure passion for pokemon again, instead of for money. So he starts over again from zero in the place where it began! Him, rotom, and newly adopted protagonist get together to rebuild the house into a sanctuary for ghost type pokemon. He helps all the gastlys that haunted the place find new homes, and the people of eterna city stop being scared of the big ol spooky mansion. And he never becomes rich or famous for it, but he ends up strangely happier than he ever imagined.

So yeh that is my dumb headcanons

Oh! And also i gave him a team of a banette and a mismagius during his time with team galactic. Cos i thought it would help show his progression thru the redemption and foreshadow it a bit, yknow? Like he tries to be big ol grump and says that he sees pokemon as mere tools, but is oblivious to the fact that he's totally become attatched to them and hasn't completely changed from when he was a kid. Lots of cute tsundere-towards-my-pets scenes! I characterized the mismagius as equally as much of a grump as charon, basically like a sassy egotistical kitty cat. He'd be all 'hmpf i'm the boss' and have the nonverbal equivelant of a sass battle, always batting charon's stuff off the shelves and such. And the banette would be an innocent little soul that doesnt realize her trainer is evil, and thinks he's the bestest best ever! So by the end they'd also be happy now he's more openly affectionate with them, and super excited to meet rotom, and basically just imagine these self indulgent fluffy cute scenes with meeeee!! And i dunno how i was gonna justify it, but i wanted to somehow have him talk to his pokemon? I thought of the banette always being like 'Yes Doctor!' and then in the end he's like 'its okay if you want to call me grandpa'. And the mismagius having a rare moment of emotion and being like 'i was so scared you wouldnt come back' (regarding admins + protag going to the distortion world) And rotom being like 'aaaaa i'm an auntie now???'

Oh oh oh and developinh charon's relationshios with the other admins!! I liked the sass him and saturn had in the anime and i headcanoned maybe they worked together in the science division before getting promoted to admin, and maybe saturn like... They weren't really Friends but he kinda at least believes the old man could be something better, and mourns the lost potential? And then they actually could go from 'that guy i enjoy messing with' to a more friendly rivalry to a genuine friendship someday. I think saturn would be the most proud if charon ever became redeemed, yknow? Oh and i have complex thoughts about his relationship with cyrus! Like i think they're both intending to use each other- charon thinks he has the upper hand and this is just some god delusion dope he can bleed dry of precious money, cyrus totally has him clocked and finds him useful cos he's easily manipulated with that same money. But at the same time as they're sassing about each other under their breath, they often end up stuck together in a lot of situations, cos they're the two most emotionless/cynical ones. That sort of 'i don't wanna get involved with that trio's nonsense antics, oh i guess you had the same idea' friendship. But then also i thought there was a little more complexity as to why they're subconciously drawn together? Charon sees cyrus as a mirror of his young adult mid-fall-to-evil self. And as much as he tries to laugh it off that cyrus is still a little too idealistic to outsmart him, he also projects a lot of hate on him that he wishes he could take out on himself. And at the same time there's some subconcious part of him that feels sympathy for the kid and sees this as a chance to protect someone from going down the same path. (Though his pride keeps him from acting on this uncharacteristically kind impulse.) And at the same time Cyrus's own hate-friendship with charon is fueled by his past too. He still remembers how his own grandpa failed to rescue him from his traumatic childhood, so he finds it hard to keep his anger under control around a horrible old man like this. But also some part of him finds him almost... Comforting? Like.. He's at least honest about being dishonest, yknow? And he's not remotely scary. All those memories of being so small and powerless in the face of various adults, whether it was his actively abusive parents or his well-intentioned grandpa who failed him when he needed it most. Being in a position of power over that sort of trash adult is kind of amazing! But at the same time Cyrus starts to realize how pathetic and unhappy this guy is, and how he just lashes out to puff up his ego and pretend he knows what he's doing with his life. Plus he also can't help remembering the happier memories of his grandpa too, even though this new gramps couldnt be further away from him. So it's a very complex friendship of two men who have no clue that they are friends! When did cyrus start thinking 'this man's denial of his sadness is further proof this world needs to be fixed'? When did charon start thinking 'i should stop him from making my same mistakes'? And umm also i had the thought of a dumb scene in the epilogue where charon introduces cyrus to rotom and cyrus uses his tech skills to make a lil rc car for the haunted tangerine to ride around in. TEAM GALACTIC I KNO I LOVE YOUR SASSY INFIGHTING BUT ALSO HAVE YOU CONSIDERED BEING FRIENDS

Okay okay im rambling but basically Ideas

So Many Ideas

So little actual skill at fic writing

Okay gudbye gudnite lol

#chons thoughtz

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babykpopsweets · 7 years

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NCT reaction to their GF or BF about to be an aunt/uncle

Requested 🤞

Meant to be gender neutral sorry for any slip ups tho!

Part Uno

Taeil- As soon as you told him the great news he was thrilled! Taeil was SUPER happy for you and he couldn’t wait to meet the new born himself. He would even ask you the gender so he could go out and buy them some clothes for the baby.

Johnny-

“I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT/UNCLE BABe !!!!!” You yelled at the top of your lungs.

“Wait... You have siblings?” Said dumbfounded

“-.-“ your facial expression

Taeyong- He probably knew you were going to be an aunt before you did...

“TAEYONG IM GONNA BE AN AUNNNNTTTT/UNCLLLLEEEE!!” You screeched.

“Yeah I know !!”

“OMG YEAHHH wait duh hell you just say????”

“I know!! ARENT YOU JUST SO EXCITED ????”

“How the duck do you know????”

“A good magician doesnt reveal his secrets :)”

“BoI bOi BoI bOi”

Yuta- When you told him, he seemed so unamused. You didn’t know why though.

“IM SO HAPP- hey dude why arent you excited with me?? Your killing the mood -.-“

“Im not amused! Becuz you didnt say I was the uncle..”

“Yeah well thats not happening...continue being unamused”

Doyoung- Doyoung would just straight up mock you! Don’t get me wrong he would be happy for you but you were just being so extra right now.

“AHHHH IMMA BE AN AUNT/UNCLE AG”

“AHHHH IMMA BE AN AUNT/UNCLE AG” *mocking voice*

“-.-“

Ten- Honestly be more excited then you. Screeching at the top of his lungs. Then just going into a state of saying aw over and over.

“IM GONNA BE AN AUNT/UNCLE!”

“AWWWW YESSSSS DO YOU WANNA BE A MOTHER/FATHER”

“0.o”

Jaehyun- He would honestly be chill about. Jaehyun was happy for you seriously! But he wasn’t going to be all extra about it either.

...

Theres a fine line in between.

Winwin- he was extremely happy for you no lie! But he wouldn’t know how to express it really. So he might just say someting like

“really! Thats great!”

Mark-

“MARK IMMA BE AN AUNT/UNCLE🤣🤣🤣”

“DOES THAT MEAN I AM AN UNCLE???”

“YEAH IF YOU WANT TO BE!”

“EEEEEEEEECKKKKKKK *girl screams*”

“Chill Mark Chill”

Renjun- When you told him the first thing that came to his mind was: ‘i should teach this baby chinese ??? Or should i help it learn korean??? Or should i teach it how to dance??? How about sing???’

You saw him in a daze and snapped him out of it.

“AYE YO RENJUN earth to renjun~~~”

“IM GONNA TEACH THE BABY HOW TO DAB!”

“Um ..... ok???”

~~~~~~

-admin Jamz

#nct #nct u #nct 127 texts #nct 127 scenarios #nct dream texts #nct u texts #nct u scenarios #nct dream reactions #nct u reactions #nct dream #nct 127 #aunt #uncle

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kokeggy · 7 years

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???% nr. 2

i think i already made myself clear with all the stuff i wrote about ???% here, here, and here

but i dont think i put it well enough together

when it comes to ???% we have lots of thoughts and probably tons of possibilities what exactly ???% is and what not

so we have the words that ???% spoke.. or rather thought, which surprised everyone; “See.. I knew it.. It’s an important moment after all… I knew I would… be needed. Now then… let’s go. I’ll make sure nothing gets in my way..”

this is, rather unexpected. why? this “after all” he said really made me wonder about things

in this and this post i spoke about ???% being a manifestation of shigeos instincts and (deep) emotions, and in one of those posts i mentioned that ???% is only able to take over because shigeo felt a very strong emotion before passing out. but what about chapter 76? he didnt even had to pass out and ???% wouldve taken over. -- well, i think its because he was instantly extremely hostile, he felt very strong hatred and at the same time was overflowing with grief. his mind couldnt handle all these emotions and was close to “breaking down”. (thus, giving ???% this “i have to give him time to think - i need to take over and i have to handle this” - mindset.. || that is only if we assume that ???% wants to protect shigeo, though)

if shigeos emotions are seriously the trigger, rather than him getting unconscious, then it would only make sense that ???% wouldve taken over.

what ive been thinking right now, tho.. ???% is no doubt extremely strong, so why would shigeo be needed to feel extreme emotion or to fall unconscious during a fight so that ???% can make his apperance? he is strong, so he should be able to take him over (if not when conscious, then he should at least be able do it while shigeo is subconscious) -- does ???% have the ability to take shigeo over (esp. when he is sleeping), but simply chooses not to?

is it because shigeo despises his “hidden power”? or maybe its because his mental barrier is very strong (according to dimple)

i mean, its obvious that his mental state is fragile whenever someone pushes him (bullying him and his brother, beating his brother up in front of him, kidnapping his brother, seeing his brother unconscious after a fight, being bullied to the extreme for 6 months (while having to rely on your own), seeing his family dead.. etc) -- but why would ???% appear when shigeo is only feeling “love”? i think its because ???% is directly connected to shigeos emotions. emotions is what creates a personality - everyone has them, even when theyre hidden.

so i talked a lot about different things, but i actually wanted to talk about the sentence that ???% said/thought.

1. he knew what happened, or more likely he figured it out 2. he thinks this situation needs him 3. he doent want anything to get into his way (you took these words too literal, ???%-san)

so, 1.) how did he know that happened/how could ???% have figured it out? - i can guarantee you, he doesnt share memories with shigeo. he can’t see what shigeo can and vice versa. - i think theyre related by emotions. now, that sounds weird, because i just said that ???% doesnt share memories with shigeo and vice versa. but there must be something that connects ???% to shigeo - and that imo is emotions, perhaps instincts too. - anyways, he know it was important, but he didnt seem to be sure of it. this “See.. I knew it.. It’s an important moment after all… “ expressed how he second-guessed the importance of the situation happeing to shigeo. however, it also seems like he had an argument with shigeo subconsciously. -- one of these two things.

the argument couldve been like;

???%: “let me handle this for you, i know its important to you” shigeo: “you dont have to, its simple. its only a simple task.” shigeo got run over by a car ???%: “told u it was important”

because nobody would take over a body and be like “lol i knew this was important” without knowing anything. when i “simulated” the dialong, i realized that ???% is probably not aware of the physical conditions of shigeo. maybe the degree his powers stimulate him so strong that he doesnt even notice the pain

(i currently have nothing to say to 2., but to 3. all i can say is; ???%.. your humor is too dry, way too dry)

#mp100 #mob psycho 100 #kageyama shigeo #???%#mp100 spoilers #phew #that was such a long txt #theories #txt #mp100 theories

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jazzhandssss2-blog · 7 years

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Textual analysis - Made in Dagenham - FINISHED

Which genre does the piece fit into?/Where is the play set?

Made in Dagenham is a musical drama with areas of comical elements. The show is set in 1960′s Britain and based on true events of the womens strike at Ford Dagenham. The story feqatures true to life characters and families, effected by the strike and it’s lasting effects on history and womens rights.

Most of the musical takes place in dagenham, located in east London, whether that be in the Ford factory, offices, or the workers homes. Additionally, there are other scenes that take place in locations such as centeral London, for the prime minister, and the Essex countryside for charcters Lisa and Jeremy Hopkins. Furthermore the final TUC conference is situated in Eastbourne, on the southern coast.

What is significant and/or important about the locations?

Dagenham is a high working class, poverty ridden area of London, this is reflected through the lives of the hardowrking individuals for Ford. The characters often mention their desires for either a much needed break, a treat or money.

Lisa and Jeremy Hopkins, a well off family situated in the essex countryside are quite the opposite of the poorer families. Educated housewife Lisa is often bored with her money and time to herself. Alternatively the characters Rita and Eddie O’Grady, are examples of the working class families. An example of this would be throught the opening number Busy Woman, which shows the hustle and bustle of a morning routine for working class families.

Therefore the locations emphasise the divide and give us an insight into how different classes lived.

When is the play set?

Are there any specific references to day, season or year?

We know that the genre of the musical is set in a 60′s stye through it’s music and fashion, for example, classic 60′s mod dresses for the women.

However it is also shown in scene 6, when Eddie says “Millwall’s last season in Division 3 South, so that’s 1958. I been married about ten years now”. This line indicates that the year must be 1968. Additionally, from researching the history of the story, the womens strike took place in 1968.

How much time passes during the play?

There is no exact part in the script that states exactly when the time starts progresses and finishes, however during the song Busy Woman, Rita asks Eddie what day it is and he replies with “ Pancake Day” therefore suggesting that to guess this occasion, must mean that it is set somewhere it early spring. We then know that the TUC conference at the end of the show takes place in April, inidciating that roughly 6-8 weeks pass throughout the story. How is the passage of time represented?

During the performance, clearly, time passes as the storyline progresses however there are some key moments where time passing is physically shown, an example of this would be through the musical number ‘Storm Clouds’. The songs is displayed through a montage of scenes blurred together jumping through locations and time. How wealthy are the characters?

The wealth of characters is split and varied between them all. There are chaarcaters that respeetn the lower and working classes, for example the leading familiy of Rita and Eddie O’Grady, followed by the factory workers such as Sandra, Beryl and Clare. The workers are already on a low pay, but are effected even further when they have to go onto strike pay. An example of their lack of wealth during the strike is shown when Sandra states in an argument between her and Rita. “ I cant live on £2 a week strike pay”.

Alternatively there are characters such as Lisa and Jeremy Hopkins, alsongisde Barbara Castle and Harold Wilson. An example of Lisa and Jeremy’s wealth can be seen as Lisa is complaining she has nothing to do all day and Jeremy states “ But I bought you a horse”. Showing that their relationship involves buying one anothers affection and attention. Is there a hierarchy?

Heirarchy within this story is shown in several ways, such as politically and within their families and workplace.

Workplace Family Politics

Mr Tooley Rita Harold Wilson

Hopkins Eddie Barbara Castle

Monty/ Connie Graham Mr Tooley

Rita Sharon Hopkins

Beryl

Clare

Sandra

How does their wealth or lack of it affect them?

With the issue of wealth, the ford workers are all affected personally by the strike as their pay suddenly drops, resulting in serious fiance loss. The characters are left having to choose between money and social morals. Knowing how desperate and poor the workers were, due to strikers pay,Mr Tooley and his workers, sabotage Rita’s movement and try to crack the girls’ solidarity by convincing and leuring Sandra into a well paid advert deal for the car Cortina.

What are the social environments of the characters like?

For the workers of the Ford factory, their social environments are situated either in the workplace, their homes or the local pub. The workplace shows them socialising, chatting and drinking cups of tea and is shown in scene 2, which also includes the song ‘This is what we want’. Additionally, their socialising is also shown through the number ‘Payday’, which takes place at the local pub with all of the factory workers, enjoying their weekend and time away from work.

Are their differences in the social backgrounds and current environments?

Throughout the story, there are several diverse types of characters seperated by their social backgrounds etc. One example of this would be the contrasting relationships and clash of personalities between Rita, Lisa and Hopkins. This is an interesting example, as Rita and Lisa are of different backgrouns yet come to a utual understanding and agree with one another, however Lisa and Hopkins are of the same background, yet disagree totally. Finally in opposition, Hopkins and Rita are from seperate backgrounds and they disagree morally. Therefore showing that the difference or similarity in social backgrounds doesnt always affect beliefs.

How will this affect how the characters will interact with one another?

The diversity of social backgrounds often afects the way the way character ineract ni ways such as; when Rita has just split from Eddie, Lisa interupts, and attempts to console her however she finds it awkward and difficult as she cannot relate to the love and hurt Rita feels towards Eddie.

Are any of the characters influenced by events/beliefs?

One example of a characters influenced by beliefs or events would be during the scene between Buckton and Rita, dicussing the topic of corporal punishment. Buckton believes that young boys should be hit when misbehaving, however Rita believes this is morally wrong and they then come to a debate, this shows the diversity in the backgrounds and beliefs of the two opposing personalities.

What effect does this have on the way the characters behave?

The social backgrounds of the characters mean that they all act and behave differently in social situations. For example, the character Beryl if rough around the edges and inappropriate, therefore this shows when the girls visit Barbara Castle and Beryl slouches on the chair in a un- ladylike way. She also instead of sipping her glass of sherry and downs it quickly along with Rita’s drink too.

What clues are there to the past lives of the characters?

One example of characters reflecting on their past lives would be the song ‘Same old story’. Connie talks about her experiences with politics, women’s rights and working. She encourages Rita not to follow in her footsteps and to lead the women to victory.

How will their past affect their futures?

During the number ‘Storm Clouds’ Lisa mentions at the dinner table “I thought Ford was simply in the habit of shooting strikers”. To which Tooley responds “Michigan 1932 is history”. After researching into this event I made the link that Connie would have been of an impressionable age at the time of this event, therefore this event will influence Connie’s actions and would therefore have refrained her from taking any action due to fear of the Ford leaders.

Are there any references to key events prior to the play?

Throughout the story there are several references to prior events, a few examples are;

- “In the war, women worked as doctors, bus drivers, land girls. Ergo we won that war together” – Rita O’Grady.

- “Michigan 1932 is history” – Tooley

- “Once, Labour party conference 1956” – Connie Riley

All three of these example give us an insight to each of the characters, and either their current or back stories. The references to past events give naturalism, depth and realism to the story.

Do any of the characters carry scars or memories from past events? How does this effect them now?

In the musical number ‘Connies song’, she speaks about how she worked too hard from a young age and that she went to work too early. Additionally she mentions that her hard work has got her to her postion of work of which she isnt proud of. She works as a representation of the Ford women, but hasnt got them where they want to be, or gotten them any social or political justice. She therefore turns to Rita, encouraging and motivating her to work hard and achieve what women rightfully deserve, as she failed to do so herself.

Are their conflicts of tension between what the characters want?

Yes, there are a few areas of conflict between characters and what they want. An exampleof this would be the conflict between Rita and Eddie towards the end of the show. Rita wants to continue on strike pay and finish what she has started by achiveing equal pay, whereas Eddie is struggling to be alonelooking after their children on little to no money. He disgrees in the idea that she should continue her campaign. Due to the clashes of different opinion, the pair split.

Do the main characters want to change their situations?

Yes. The entire story is based around the idea that the women of Ford Dagenham no longer want to be paid less than the men, and their spokesperson who makes this all happen isthe lead role, Rita O’Grady. Therefore the main character’s goal throughout, is to change her situation and to improve the standard of living for herself and fellow working women, acheiving equal rights for women.

Which character is the antagonist? (Opposes the main action)

The main antagonist character would be Mr Tooley. He is an american and is the boss of the Ford operation in Britain. He is masoginistic and therefore is against the eqaulity of womens rights, and will stop at nothing to avoid giving the female workers justice.

Are their other protagonists or antagonists?

Aside from Mr. Tooley there are other antagonists such as Hopkins and Harold Wilson, who are also not in favour of women striking for equak rights, as it makes their jobs much harder. However in oppostiton there are the show’s protangonists, such as Rita, the leader of the strike, standing yup for the women workers of Ford and Connie, the girls legal representation, who encourages Rita to lead the girls to justice.

Do any of the characters change from one to the other?

Eddie O’Grady begins with Rita on her journey, supporting her by taking care of the kids and doing her wokr whilst she is away. However as time goes on and the strike lengthens, you see their relationship begin to wear thin, along with Eddie’s beliefs and support for Rita. He loses his faith in the movement and decides to split with Rita. Therefore his character journey changes from a protagonist into an antagonist. How formal is the language used by the characters?

The formality of character language differs between background, uprbinging and status. For example, Eddie and Rita, live and work in Dagenham, they’re working class, and often use informal language, such as slang and swearing. Additioanlly, they often question others that are well spoken for example “ Oh piss off” and “ Ergo? that’s latin aint it”?. However there are alternatvie characters such as Mr.Buckton. Mr Buckton is a well spoken, upper class, snotty headteacher at Rita’s son’s school. When Rita complains about him caning her son, he belittles Rita and talks down to her as if she were dumb. He uses language, with large academic words that Rita doesnt understand in a way to patronise her.

What is the level of education of the characters?

The factory workers are all of a working class upbringing witht little to no education, that have gone straight into work from a young age after leaving school, that did not do well academically. Alternatively, charactes such as Lisa and Jeremy Hopkins are well spoken and educated. This is shown through the heircarcy of their work, due to Jeremy being the Ford worker’s manager. Additonally we klnow that Lisa is well educated as she states in a conversation with Rita that history is her subject, and her academic advantage lead to her aiding Rita in her fight for justice.

Do the characters use certain phrases or words or ways of speaking?

Throughout the lineup of characters, there are several different accents and phrases used, as many of the chaeracters are from different areas and upbringings. In result of this, they speak differently. For example, Barbara Castle speaks differently to other characters as she is from Yorkshire/Derbyshire. The rest of the cast are southern, whether they’re situated in Dagenham, central London or the Essex countryside. The differen use of accent and language, realistically portrays our country and its diversity of language.

Are there direct references to the characters appearances?

Yes. During a scene within Graham’s school, Rita and Lisa first meet and immediately Rita states “Oooh, I love your dress”. Additionally, Sandra also strokes Lisa’s dress in a scene further into Act 2 saying “I seen that dress in vogue”

What is the significance of the title? (Metaphoric or literal)

The title of the show is both literal and metaphoric. It is literal as the title Made in Dagenham reflects on the fact that the characters work at a Ford factory in Dagenham, making cars. Furthermore, it is metaphoric because it plays on the fact that the characters were born and raised in Dagenham.

Are there any key lines or speeches that summarise or capture the mood of the play?

There are countless examples of speeches that capture the mood of the play, ranging from monologues, to quick one liner’s, a few examples would be;

- Harold Wilson’s welcoming speech to the girls in Barbara’s office, of which he belittles them. Speaking both awkwardly and offensively.

- Rita O’Grady’s TUC speech. The speech finalises the show, and explores all issues and themes covered in the production, therefore captures the mood of the show.

- Finally, Tooley, Lisa and Hopkins at the dinner table discussing Sandra’s Ford promotion. Both Tooley and Hopkins speak about Sandra in a sexist manor, soeaking as if she is an object, referring to her as ‘ the dolly bird’ of which Lisa is offended by.

Each of these examples refer to the theme/mood of the play, exploring equality, sexism and differences between the classes.

What is the main plot and how does it develop?

The main plot focuses around the character Rita O’grady and her balance between family and work life. It then deeps further into her work life, and the fact that Rita and her fellow female workers are getting paid less money than the men. When realising that she is treated unfairly with encouragement from her fellow friend and manager Connie Riley, Rita leads the women to strike against Ford. Alongside this main theme there are other small relationships and sub plots that split off and add to the main plot. For example, ford manager Jeremy Hopkins and his wife Lisa, who both have relations to Rita and her striking, both positive and negative. Furthermore, as striking becomes a reality and the workers are affected by little pay, we see them crumble beneath sexism, inequality and home life. However with the encouragement and belief from politician Barbara Castle, and one another, the girls complete their journey and succeed by achieving equal pay for women.

Is there a sub plot?

Alongside the main themes, romance is another part of the plot that is shown throughout. This is the romance/marriage between Rita and her husband Eddie. We see the problems between married life and the effects and strain put on their relationship because of the strike.

What is the objective of each scene/unit? What is the super objective of the play?

How can the shape of the play be best described – a story? Episodes? A journey? As a diagram or map?

I think the shape of the play is best descirbed as either a story or a journey, more a journey if anything. I belive this because we see the characters change and progress, we see their situations, issues and agrrivations develop and resolve. Therefore as we watch them grow as a cast we go on a journey with them to achieve their goals.

Which scenes are the most important? Why?

I believe that several scenes are important for the story, however one of the most informative and packed scenes would be Storm Clouds, as we see a montage of different events, and watch the story progress through time, showing a gradual journey of what the charcters go through in a short space of time. Therefore it is important as it incudes lots of key elements and events for the progression and conclusion of the story.

Which scene is the least important? Why?

I dont thnk that any particular scene is the least important, as all the scenes are relevant in portraying the story/journey of the characters.

How important to the piece is the set/lighting/costume/props/sound?

The technical elements of the show are highly important, all of which set the mood, environemt, era and realism of the show. From the set and props we get to fully imagine the characters situations and environment. An example of this would be that in the opening number the set shows the O’Grady family home, we see the realism of the era the show is set in through use of 60′s colour schemes such as turqiose blues and oranges, with some use of florals i.e. tea towels and table cloths.

Aswell we get the similar affect from costume, hair and makeup. The authenticity of these elemtns allow the characters to appear more fitted to the era the show is set in. An example of this would be that each of the girls wear factory overalls, of which are in a bright turquoise blue colour. This colour blue was well used throughout 60′s fashion. Furthermore the womens hair and makeup is styled appropriately as to what it would have been during the 60′s. For example, backcombing/beehiving the hair, and wearing brightly coloured eyeshadows.

What is the climax of the play? Are issues resolved at the end?

The climax of the play would be in the space between the musical numbers Storm Clouds, The Letter, Nearly Had it all and Stand Up. During these songs towards the end of the second act, relationships between charactcers begin to break, and the solidarity between the girls starts to crumble. Their campaign is sabotaged by the antagonsit of the show, Mr Tooley. We see the characters spirits break, through a montage of scenes in Storm Clouds, which then leads to the break up songs of Rita and Eddie in Nearly had it all and The Letter. However as time progresses, we see Rita encouraged by her fellow workers, and is given motivation to keep going, this is when we enter the finale number, Stand Up. The finale show issues being resolved when Rita gives a motivational speach to the TUC. She wins them over and equal pay is achieved. Bonds are then mended between friends and family, there

How are the songs structured? (Monologue, dialogue, duologue, triologue, short sentences etc)

Each of the songs vary in strucutre, some containing short scenes of dialogue, for example throughout the nuber ‘ Busy Woman’ there are several breaks from singing into dialogue to further the story along. For example, when the O’Grady family are at breakfast during the number, Eddie stops singing to ask Rita “ Have you seen my favourite underpants?” and Rita responds with “ Yeah, I had to shoot em”. Additionally in another part of the section, the pair have a conversation about their son Graham and how he is being caned at school by his headteacher. The break into dialogue gives a naturalistic feel to the scenes, as they’re a regular working class family.

Alternatively there are musical numbers that involve monologues. An exmaple of this would be in the finale Stand Up. The song revolves around Rita giving a speech to the TUC. The song starts with Rita’s speech in a monologue form, it then progresses by adding some singing, the song then continues to fade in and out between both vocals and dialogue until the end of the song.

What kind of imagery is used?

Throughout the performance there are several uses of imagery onstage. One particular example of this would be; within the story there are references made to Martin Luther King, for example when Connie is encouraging Rita to stand up for women's rights, she questions her with “ Did Martin Luther King stand for 87% of rights for black people” and Rita replies with “ You know they shot him?”. This line becomes a running gag and reference. Furthermore Rita also makes reference to him with her final speech to the TUC, through her body language as she stood tall and delivered an inspiring speech at a podium.

What are the characters motivations and do they change in each scene?

Each of the charcaters have different motivations that alter throughout the performance, asthe story and the charcaters develop. An example of this would be that Rita begins her journey wanting nothing more then to be recognised as a skilled worker as the women had be given an unskilled work grade. However as time progresses, so do her motivations. She is driven by the idea that women should be equal to men, and that a skilled grade is not good enough, yet instead they want equality. Rita is encouraged also by the thought that her daughter Sharon might one day grow to become a second class citezen to men, therefore she is motivated now even further to do this for future generations of women, not just herself.

Does the play relate to any previous theatrical or written work?

The musical is based on true events of the real women working at Ford dagneham, but before it was successfully created as a mucial, Made in Dagenham was a successful film. The writers of the musical were given inspirtation when watching the movie and decided that the film would be perfectly suited to a musical stage.

If so what are the links between them?

Both the film and musical are based around the same storyline with the same characters. The look of the characters is similar also, for example the character of Lisa Hopkins, is pretty blonde and well spoken. Other elements that are similar would be costume. For example Rita wears a statement red dress for the TUC conference, and this is shown in both the film and musical.

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