Sorry for bad typos, on my phone.
**EDIT** I actually see some more problems. I'll take a look when I get access to my comp.
In the first example I think I see two problems.
First problem is that, in the block where you are checking the MapChar Directions, they are all in the same block. So they basicaly work as an 'and' condition. Which means they all have to be true.
The second problem, which I believe is in the second example aswell.
The Set Animation (play from start) is being called every frame when the touch is active. So the animation constantly starts over.
I hope that made sense and that it'll help.
It sounds like you like problem solving so I'll leave the solution for you to figure out.