CHARACTER EDUCATION FOR EFL LEARNERS ON THE MAIN CHARACTER OF “MEN BRAYUT” DRAMA PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This study explores how the character values embedded in the Balinese drama The Story of Men Brayut: Legacy of Love for Children can be utilized as a medium for character education in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. The aim is to examine how local cultural narratives can foster not only linguistic competence but also students’ moral and emotional development. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and classroom observations involving EFL teachers and students. The findings reveal that the transformation of the main character—from an impatient and ungrateful mother into a loving and spiritually enlightened figure—represents core values such as empathy, responsibility, respect, perseverance, and cultural awareness. When critically reflected upon within the classroom context, these values offer a meaningful framework for character education. The analysis underscores the importance of culturally rooted learning materials in promoting holistic education that connects language acquisition with moral development. This study contributes to the growing discourse on the integration of character education in EFL instruction by highlighting the pedagogical power of local drama performances in shaping both linguistic and ethical competencies among learners.