An Analysis of Character Development and Educational Values in The Film The Miracle Worker

The Miracle Worker (2000), directed by Nadia Tass, is a biographical film that portrays Helen Keller's character development while presenting educational values through the interactions among its characters. Although the film has been widely discussed, few studies examine both the main character's development and the educational values within it. Therefore, this study aims to analyze Helen Keller's character development and identify the educational values shown through the interactions among the characters. This study used a qualitative descriptive method with documentation as the data collection technique. The data were taken from the film's dialogues, scenes, and characters' actions, then analyzed using Murphy's (1972) theory of characterization and Lickona's (1991) theory of character education values. The findings show that Helen Keller's character develops gradually through the stages of exposition, climax, and resolution. She changes from an impulsive, aggressive, and undisciplined child into a person who can communicate, control herself, and build meaningful relationships through continuous guidance, conflict, and learning experiences with Anne Sullivan. Also, this study identifies five educational values in the film, namely responsibility, patience, caring, self-discipline, and perseverance, shown through the characters' actions, dialogues, and interactions. This study concludes that Helen Keller's character development is a gradual, non-linear process shaped by consistent guidance, perseverance, and meaningful social interaction. The findings show that character development and educational values are closely related, highlighting the important role of educators as moral role models. Therefore, The Miracle Worker remains a valuable medium for promoting character education, both in educational settings and in everyday life.