Accepting Our Roles in Life: Bjorn must choose between embracing his role or focusing on sports.

By EpictetusRelationships & Social Skills2 min readGrade 8.4
Classroom
Intermediate

Overview

Think about being part of a school play. Instead of wishing to be the main character, you focus on playing your role well, knowing that every part is important to the story.

The Choice

Bjorn must choose between embracing his role or focusing on sports.

Quick Stats

Grade Band
Grades 6-8
Reading Level
Level 8.37864760989671
Word Count
362 words
Published
Mar 23, 2026

The Dilemma

Bjorn and Hana are part of the school's annual play. Bjorn, hoping to be the lead, is cast as a tree. Initially disappointed, he considers not putting much effort into his role. However, Hana, who plays a supporting character, encourages him to see the importance of every role. She points out how his performance can enhance the entire play. As rehearsals progress, Bjorn notices how his presence as a tree adds depth to the scenes. He also realizes that the play's success depends on everyone doing their part well. On the other hand, Bjorn's friends tease him for not having a speaking role, suggesting he should focus on sports instead. Bjorn now faces a choice: (A) embrace his role as the tree and give it his best, or (B) follow his friends' advice and focus on sports instead.

Values in Tension

This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:

Loyalty
vs
Responsibility

Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.

Your Options

A

Embrace his role in the play

B

Focus on sports instead

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. 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. 2

    How does 'Accepting Our Roles in Life' apply here?

  3. 3

    What are the consequences of each choice?

  4. 4

    How might Epictetus advise Bjorn here?

  5. 5

    How does this connect to your life? Turn & tell: What would our class consider the proper action here, and why?

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Philosophical Perspective

Insights from Epictetus

Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.

Related Topics

loyalty
responsibility
peer-pressure
Portrait of Epictetus

Epictetusc. 50-c. 135

Epictetus (c. 50 – c. 135 AD) was a prominent Stoic philosopher who began life as a slave in Phrygia. After gaining freedom, he taught philosophy in Rome and later established a renowned school in Nicopolis. Though he wrote nothing, his teachings, recorded …

Stoicism
The Dichotomy of Control (what is in our power vs. what is not)
Prohairesis (Moral Choice/Volition) and the Correct Use of Impressions
Explore how Epictetus informs this dilemma and discover additional ethical puzzles shaped by their ideas.
Learn more about Epictetus or continue exploring dilemmas inspired by their philosophy.

Lesson Plans

Quick Fire5 min

Accepting Our Roles in Life — 5-10 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify the core ethical tension
  • -Make a quick, reasoned choice

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.Which option did you choose, and why?
  • 2.What would you give up with each choice?
participation
Standard15 min

Accepting Our Roles in Life — 15-20 minutes

Learning objectives:

  • -Identify competing values
  • -Articulate trade-offs

Discussion prompts:

  • 1.What would you lose by choosing each option?
  • 2.Is there a third path?
participation