Common Character Types

Direct Characterization

Indirect Characterization

Conflict

Motivation

Tasks

References
 Common Character Types
• Round
• Flat
• Dynamic
• Static
• Stock
• Foil
• Confidante
 Round character

• A round character in literature is one who

has been fully developed (think three
dimensional versus two-dimensional).
They take on realistic identities and
encompass complex characteristics.
 Round
Characters that are described in depth, with many
details, are well-rounded characters. They are called
round characters.

The main character in a story is almost always round.

If you are reading a story and you feel like you know
a character extremely well, then most likely the
character is round.
Round characters have various
characteristics or traits.

A round character can change or grow.

Readers see more than one side of a round

character.
 Flat
Characters that are not described well —that
you are not given much information about —
are flat characters.
 Flat character
Definition: A flat character is a minor
character in a work of fiction who does not
undergo substantial change or growth in the
course of a story. Also referred to as "two-
dimensional characters" or "static characters
," flat characters play a supporting role to the
main character, who as a rule should be
round.
Readers see one side of a flat character.

Flat characters are usually minor characters

and reveal one or two traits.

Flat characters may be used as a contrast to

a major character.
Consider a drawing: a three- Flat
dimensional drawing gives more
detail than a one-dimensional
drawing.
If you draw a two-dimensional, flat
picture of a house, for example,
you can only see one side of it.
You cannot see three of the four
sides.
This is how a flat character is; you Round
can only see a few characteristics
of the character. There are many
things you cannot “see,” or many
details you are not given by the
author.
Flat

Round
 Round or Flat?
As a reader, judge whether or not the
character is round or flat by trying to write
down characteristics of the character.
Answer the question: What do you know
about the character? If your list is long, with
many characteristics, then the character is
round. If your list is short, or there are not
many characteristics at all, then the
character is flat.
 Flat vs. Round

Flat Round
 One dimensional  Three dimensional
 Character is limited  Character is a complete
 See one side or pictured and as
complicated as you and
characteristic of the me
character  Identify with the
 Probably will not character
change over the  Enough information to
course of the determine flaws or
story/novel virtues
 Round Character
These characters are many sided and complex,
with more than three characteristics shown.
This is a character that develops through the
story and is very realistic.

Example: Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley,

Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley and
Severus Snape are among some of the round
characters in this series.
 Round Character
A well-developed, lifelike character that demonstrates multiple
sides, traits, and emotions.

Example
Ernie doesn't want to cheat on the test, but his Dad will punish him
severely if he fails. Ernie knows that cheating is wrong, but he thinks
it may be a wrong that he's willing to live with. After all, he'd rather
have his conscience beating him up than his dad. Ernie considers
studying for the test instead. There isn't much time, but he has pulled
off some feats of concentration in the past.

Ernie demonstrates multiple, realistic sides to his personality. This

makes him a round character.
 Flat Character
An one-dimensional character that does not display
emotional depth and has a single set of traits.
Example
Ricardo had an evil plan. First, he would rob the bank to get
money. Then he would buy weapons and raise and army.
Then he would kidnap the princess and tie her to some train
tracks. Lastly, he would twist the ends of his long mustache
between his thumb and forefinger while laughing.
Ricardo is a villain with little depth. We know that he is evil,
but we do not learn why. No internal struggle with his morality
is revealed; therefore, he is a flat character.
 Round

•Characters that are described in depth, with many details,

are well-rounded characters. They are called round
characters.

•The main character in a story is ALMOST ALWAYS round.

Examples of round characters
 Flat
• Characters that are not described well —that you are not
given much information about — are flat characters.
Which character changes the
way he feels about a problem?
Scar Simba

Static Dynamic
 Flat Character
• Flat characters have few but easily
recognizable traits that make them
stereotypical characters.

Example: Mr. Filch, the caretaker of Hogwart's

School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a flat
character, with his only undying obsession
being finding students breaking school rules.

(School bully, class clown, mean teacher, etc.)

 Dynamic Character

A main character
that is faced with
conflict and
undergoes an
important inner
change throughout
the course of the
story.
 Dynamic Character
• A dynamic character is someone whose
personality changes through the course of writing,
due to a change in the situation or the plot.
• This may be from weak to strong, from strong to
weak, from a cheery person to a person in distress
(Note: Not always the protagonist).

Example: Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter's

classmate, who is the perpetually petrified student
at Hogwart's. However, toward the end of the
series, he leads an army of students to fight
against Voldemort, the evil character feared by all.
 Static or Dynamic?
The key word when dealing with the difference
between static and dynamic characters is
‘change’.

The type of change, though, is specific. We are

only concerned with internal changes —changes
which occur within the character.

Internal changes include a change in his/her

personality , a change in his/her outlook on life, a
change in his/her values, or it could be an overall
change in the nature of the character.
 Static or Dynamic?
Do not focus on changes that happen TO a
character, but rather, changes that happen
WITHIN a character.

Think about it this way: Does the event

affect the character by changing the
character internally?
 Static or Dynamic?
• The key word when dealing with the difference between
static and dynamic characters is change.

• The type of change, though, is specific. We are only

concerned with internal changes —changes that occur
within the character herself/himself.

• Internal changes include a change in his or her…

• personality;
• outlook/point of view towards an issue;
• values; OR
• an overall change in the nature of the character.
EXAMPLES OF STATIC
CHARACTERS
 Static Character
• These characters stay the same throughout the
story.

• The character does NOT change through out the

story.

Example: In the Harry Potter series, we find that

Bellatrix Lestrange is a static character. We notice
that her personality is consistent and does not
change; nor does our knowledge of her character
increase throughout.
 Static
Static = not moving or changing
(ex: static electricity is static unlike current electricity
which is moving!!
In order for a character to be considered a
static character, the character must remain
basically the same throughout the entire
story.
The character does not undergo any internal
changes.
 Static
Think of static characterization like plastic
surgery. The character may change in looks,
but unless his/her personality is affected, the
character is static.
 Dynamic
• A dynamic character is a character that undergoes an
internal change sometime between the beginning and
end of the story.

• The change in the character usually is crucial to the story

itself.
 Dynamic EXAMPLES
• Say a main character goes through a life-altering
experience, such as a race car driver getting into an
accident. If the driver's personality changes, and he is no
longer willing to take on the risk of driving a race car, the
character would be dynamic.
Characters who develop and change are not
only round characters, but often dynamic.
Scrooge changes from a tight-
fisted, greedy unhappy man to
one who was generous and
loved life.

Gru changes
from a villain set
on destroying
the world to a
loving father.
 Dynamic Character
A character who undergoes a significant inner change
Example
At the beginning of the story, Jason has low self-esteem and
no friends. He is very depressed. Then he tries out for the
baseball team and gradually develops skills and confidence.
By the end of the story he has completely changed. He now
has many friends and is much happier.
Notice that Jason didn't just change his clothes or something
minor? He underwent a major change in the course of the
story; therefore, he is a dynamic character.
 Static or Dynamic?
Look closely at your character at the beginning of the
story. Ask these three questions:
– How does the character feel about him/her/itself?
– How does the character act towards others?
– What is the character’s goal?

Examine your character throughout the story and at

the end of the story. Have the answers to the
questions changed?

Static = no change within the character

Dynamic = the character changes internally
 Static vs. Dynamic

Static Dynamic
 Stays the same  Changes as a result of the
events in the story
 Limited portrayal in story and
does not allow for change or  Portrayed early in one way and
growth develops over the time the story
covers and as a result of events
 Uninteresting and serve a in the plot
specific purpose related to the
plot and main character(s)  Typically the main character(s)
and changes are clearly
explained
 Static Character
A character that does not change significantly.
Example
John's mother loves and supports him, but John is going
through a difficult time. He tore his ACL playing football and
now his dreams of a college scholarship are finished. John's
mother helps him find a different path by encouraging his
academic interests and taking him to the library weekly. By
the end of his senior year, John manages to win an academic
scholarship.
Did you notice that John's mother did not change throughout
the course of the text? This makes her a static character.
•Static characters are one dimensional—readers
see only one side.

•Static characters stay the same and do not

develop.

•Readers learn little about this character.

•Static characters are flat characters.

 Stock Character
A ‘stock’ character is…
special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers.

They are ‘stock’ or ‘typecast’ or ‘stereotypical’ characters

Examples include: the ruthless businessman

the shushing old, white-haired librarian
the dumb jock

They are not focus characters nor are they developed in the story.
(They fulfill background or filler roles.)
 Stock Character
A stock character is…
• a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most
readers.

• They may be called “stock,” “typecast,” or “stereotypical” characters.

• Examples include:
• the ruthless businessman
• the shushing old, white-haired librarian
• the popular jock

• They are NOT focus characters, nor are they developed in the story.
(They fulfill background or “filler” roles.)
 Stoic Character
• Definition: Static characters are minor
characters in a work of fiction who do not
undergo substantial change or growth in
the course of a story.
• A stoic or static character usually shadows
the main character.
 Foil Character
A ‘foil’ character is…
special kind of character who is used to enhance another character
through contrast

i.e. as opposites they highlight qualities of a central character

Examples include:

- the mean step-sisters contrast to Cinderella’s character

- Asher’s silly, careless, childish qualities contrast and
highlight some of Jonas’ qualities.

They are not focus characters nor are they developed in the story.
(They help us learn more about another character or aspect of a story).
 Foil Character
A foil character is…
• a special kind of character who is used to enhance another character through
contrast.
• As opposites, they highlight qualities of a central character.
• Usually static

• Examples of foil characters from film include:

- the mean step-sisters contrast to Cinderella’s character

- Anna and Elsa as a sibling “Yin-Yang” in Frozen

- Villains: the Joker → Batman (Batman), Scar → Mufasa and Simba

(Lion King), Wicked Witch of the West → Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz)

• They are not focus characters, nor are they developed in the story.
(They help us learn more about another character or aspect of a story.)
 foil
A foil is a character who contrasts with
another character, usually the protagonist,
and, in so doing, highlights various facets of
the main character's personality.
Examples of foil characters
 Confidante Character
A ‘confidant’ character is…
special kind of character who the main character confides in.

When the main character confides (shares/trusts) they reveal

qualities, personality, thoughts, feelings

Example:

- Gabriel is a confident for Jonas to share some of his feelings with

(although Gabe serves other purposes as well)

A confidante helps us learn more about our central/main character

Examples of confidants
 Confidant Character
A confidant character is…
• a special kind of character who the main character confides in.
• Usually static

• When the main character confides (shares with/trusts), the confidant reveals
qualities, thoughts, and feelings of the main character.

• Examples of confidant characters from film include:

- Pocahontas confides in Grandmother Willow, which reveals her inner feelings
about her father’s wishes and the European settlers.

- Simba confides in the baboon, Rafiki, which reveals his inner feelings about his
father’s death and taking his place as king.

• A confidant helps us learn more about our central/main character.

 Protagonist
The central or main character in a story
Example
The boy in "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"
Cinderella in "Cinderella"

Sometimes the protagonist can be considered a "good"

person. Other times his or her moral values are more
ambiguous. Can you think of a story where the main
character is not necessarily "good"?
 Protagonist
• Definition: The protagonist is the main
character in a story, novel, drama, or other
literary work, the character that the reader
or audience empathizes with. The
antagonist opposes the protagonist
 antagonist

The principal character in opposition to

the protagonist or hero of a narrative or
drama.
 Antagonist

The character, group of characters, or institution that

opposes the protagonist.

Example
The Wolf from "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"
Cinderella's wicked stepmother from "Cinderella"

The antagonist is usually considered to be unlikeable or evil,

but this is not always the case. The antagonist only needs to
oppose the central character(s).
 direct characterization
• Direct Characterization tells the audience
what the personality of the character is.
• Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were
both well mannered and did not disobey their
mother.”
• Explanation: The author is directly telling the
audience the personality of these two children.
The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”
 Indirect characterization

• Indirect Characterization shows things that reveal the

personality of a character. There are five different methods of
indirect characterization:

1. Speech What does the character say? How does the

character speak?
2. Thoughts What is revealed through the character’s private
thoughts and feelings?
3. Effect on others toward the character. What is revealed
through the character’s effect on other people? How do other
characters feel or behave in reaction to the character?
4. Actions What does the character do? How does the
character behave?
5. Looks What does the character look like? How does the
character dress?
 Conflict
External conflict—struggle between a character
and an outside force.

• character versus character

• character versus society
• character versus nature
Conflict
Internal conflict—struggle
between opposing needs or
desires or emotions within a
character.

• character versus himself

• character versus herself
 Motivation
Motivation—what drives a character’s actions. It
• explains behaviors
• reveals personality
• is often based on character’s fears, conflicts,
needs

Motivation can be inferred by observing characters’

behavior, speech, actions.
 Review

• All characters are either dynamic or static,

depending on whether they change significantly.
• All characters are either round or flat, depending
on their depth of emotion and development.
• A character can be either a protagonist, an
antagonist, or neither, depending on whether they
are the central character, against the central
character, or neither.
 Tasks
Can you figure out what kind of
character these are?
 Meet Megamind!
• His nemesis is Metro
Man (the city’s big hero
and defender)
A) Flat Character
• He wants to ruin Metro B) Static Character
City and defeat Metro C) Stereotype
Man. D) Dynamic Character
• He falls in love with
Roxanne.
• He stops Tighten from
destroying Metro City.
• He becomes the new
hero of Metro City.
Dynamic Character!
 Meet Mother Gothel
• Gothel kidnaps baby
Rapunzel so she can use
her magic hair to stay
young.
• Gothel keeps the truth
from Rapunzel about her
real parents.
• Gothel won’t let Rapunzel
out of the tower.
A) Round Character
• Gothel stabs Flynn, the B) Protagonist
man Rapunzel loves. C) Antagonist
D) Dynamic Character
Antagonist!
 Meet Katniss!
• She is strong, independent
and able to provide for herself,
but can also feel vulnerable.
• She can be snarly but she can
also be kind.
• She is tough but gets scared.
• She is smart, but can make
mistakes when she’s
A) Stereotype
impulsive. B) Flat character
• She loves her family but finds C) Round character
it hard to open herself to D) Static character
romantic love.
Round Character!
 Meet Mrs Weasly!
• She’s a mother to 7
children.
• She washes their clothes
and takes care of the
house.
• She fusses over her
children and wants them
safe.
A) Flat Character
• She’s a great cook. B) Round Character
• She’s proud of her C) Dynamic Character
children’s achievements. D) Protagonist
Flat Character!
 Meet Percy Jackson!
• He’s a hero.
• His friends look up to
him.
• He goes on a lot of
quests.
• It’s up to him to save A) Antagonist
the world. B) Stereotype
C)Static Character
• He has to fight
D)Protagonist
monsters.
Protagonist!
 Meet Snow White!
• She’s sweet and kind.
• She’s good and loving.
• Her Step-mother is cruel
to her.
• She helps out some
dwarves.
• She almost dies. A) Stereotype
• When she awakens, B) Static Character
C) Round Character
she’s good, sweet, kind D) Dynamic Character
and loving.
Static Character!
 Meet Anakin/Darth Vader
• He was a precocious boy
who had the “force” in
him.
• He fought with the Jedi’s
for good.
• Because of jealousy and
fear, he went over to “the
Dark Side”
• He sacrifices his own life
to save his son’s life. A) Static Character
B) Stereotype
C) Flat Character
D) Dynamic Character
Dynamic Character!
 Task

Read each the short story, analyze the characters,

and then answer the questions.
When Vince got to the party, he was a little bit worried that he
couldn't find his friends. Vince wasn't really an awkward
person, but he found it a bit awkward to stand around at a
party with a bunch of people he hardly knew. Then he
bumped into one of the football players, Greg. Greg was a
big guy with red hair and he always gave Vince problems.
"Hey, Vince? Want a beer?" Vince looked down at his soda.
"No thanks, Greg. I've got to drive." Greg walked closer to
Vince and puffed out his chest. "C'mon Prince Vince, you're
going to turn me down?" Vince didn't have anything against
drinking, even though he wasn't of the legal age, but his
cousin had died in an alcohol related car accident, and he
wouldn't make the same mistake. ”I’m going to have to. Not
tonight, Greg," Vince said as he walked passed Greg, noticing
that some of his friends had arrived. Greg crushed a beer
can in his hand and grunted.
 1

Who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist?

 Answer

Antagonist: Greg
Protagonist: Vince
 2

Is Greg a dynamic character or a static character?

 Answer

Greg is a static character because he does not make

any significant changes in the course of the story.
 3

Is Vince a dynamic character or a static character?

 Answer

Vince is a static character because he does not make

any significant changes in the course of the story.
 4

Is Greg a flat character or a round character?

 Answer

Greg is a flat character because he appears as a single-

sided bully who shows little depth.
 5

Is Vince a round character or a flat character?

 Answer

Vince is a round character because he displays multiple

character traits and lifelike reasoning. He appears both
nervous and confident. He is nervous that he is at the
party alone, but he confidently resists Greg's peer
pressure. Readers also learn a little bit about his past
and why he declines Greg's offer.
 Conflict
Quick Check
“Y’all git some stones,” commanded What type of
Joey now and was met with instant conflict does the
giggling obedience as everyone except character face?
me began to gather pebbles from the
dusty ground. “Come on, Lizabeth.”
I just stood there peering through
the bushes, torn between wanting to
join the fun and feeling that it was a
bit silly.
from “Marigolds” by Eugenia W. Collier

[End of Section]
 Practice
Think of a Protagonist
•
story you’ve read in
which the protagonist Motivation Motivation
faces powerful conflicts. • •
Use a chart like the one
here to map out the Internal External
conflicts and their Conflict conflict and
resolutions, as well as • antagonist
the protagonist’s •
motivations.
Resolution Resolution
• •
[End of Section]
The End
 References

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