Explain how minstrelsy helped construct musical representations of race in the US, by identifying and describing at least one minstrelsy character. Identify the opportunities that both European Americans and African Americans had, to make a living as performers in minstrelsy. The negative aspects are obvious, but identify at least one positive aspect of minstrelsy.

i'm not sure i completely understand your question, but i will do my best.

i think the answer you are looking for is sequence. (see below)

a repeated melodic fragment would be best defined as repetition, while repeated chords (different or the same) could be a chord progression. however, you then mentioned the chord and melodic fragment beginning on higher or lower pitches, in that case, the answer could be best defined as a sequence. the definition of a sequence is as follows: "the restatement of a motif or longer melodic (or harmonic) passage at a higher or lower pitch in the same voice."

let me know if this !