So far we have seen how, in Mark's presentation, both the content of Jesus' verbal proclamation and instruction, and the inherent character of his deeds of power, give expression to one fundamental reality: the dawning of the kingdom of God and the consequent need for repentance and faith. The day of God's ruling power has arrived in the person of Jesus, and the unfolding drama traces the manifold impact of this phenomenon on different characters in the story. There are a number of episodes in the Markan narrative in which the author presents in positive terms the relationship between human powerlessness and the power made available to genuine, receptive faith. These episodes are all miracle stories and involve the interaction of Jesus with minor, usually unnamed characters. The miracle context provides the dramatic setting within which faith is portrayed, and characterisation is one of the major devices the author uses to expound his conception of faith. In this chapter we shall examine five separate narratives which exemplify the author's understanding of the connection between faith and extreme human need. Before doing so, however, we should consider the place of plot and characterisation in these accounts in bringing out the essential qualities of the faith depicted.

Plot and characterisation in the faith narratives

Coherency of plot and consistency in characterisation are two of the main factors that qualify Mark's finished composition as a bona fide narrative.