Overview
A student is assigned a difficult role in a school play. Instead of complaining, they decide to embrace the challenge and perform their best, understanding that every role is important.
The Choice
Should Anders embrace his role or ask for a different part?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 9.343063460085627
- Word Count
- 361 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Anders and Eun-Kyung are in the school play. Anders is cast in a role he finds challenging and uninteresting. He dreams of playing the hero but is given the part of a tree who only has a few lines. Eun-Kyung, his friend, encourages him to embrace the role, reminding him that every part is crucial for the play's success. As rehearsals progress, Anders notices how his role, though small, adds to the atmosphere and helps the main actors shine. However, he feels the pressure to ask the teacher for a different role, fearing he might not perform well. Eun-Kyung suggests that by doing his best, he might discover unexpected talents and contribute uniquely to the play. Anders now faces a choice: (A) Embrace his role and perform it with dedication, or (B) Ask the teacher for a different part, seeking a role he finds more exciting.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Embrace his role with dedication
Ask for a different part
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
What would you do, and why?
- 2
How does 'Acting Your Role in Life' apply here?
- 3
What are the consequences of each choice?
- 4
How might Epictetus advise Anders here?
- 5
Think about a time you had a role you didn’t choose. Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from Epictetus
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.
