Flat Characters are minor characters in a work of fiction who do not undergo any substantial change or growth during the course of the story. Flat Characters are also known as two-dimensional characters or static characters. They play a supporting role to the main character. Examples of static characters are Cinderella's wicked stepmother and Mr Collins from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
On the other hand, Round Characters encounter conflict and are irrevocably changed by it. They tend to be more developed than flat characters. Round Characters are also known as main characters, major characters and dynamic characters. Example of round character is Dark Vader.
Meanwhile Stock Characters are easily recognized and accepted by the reader and requires no development by the writer. Stock Characters are so easily recognized and accepted because their characteristics and mannerisms are drawn from widely known cultural types. Examples of stock characters are the mad scientist and the dumb blonde.
The Protagonist also known as the main character or hero is the character the reader empathizes with.
The antagonist however opposes the hero and is not very well liked but usually provides conflict whenever he/she is present.
There are different methods of developing characters, Wikipedia lists them and defines them as
- Appearance explains or describes the character's outward appearance so the readers can picture them, and identify them relative to other characters.
- Dialogue is what characters say and how they say it.
- Action is what characters do and how they do it.
- Reaction of others is how other characters see and treat a main character.
To round up this last post I leave you with a YouTube video that focuses on static characters, round characters and foils.
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