Types of Characters Goal: to define and provide examples of types of characters an author can include in a story.

Different Types of Characters Protagonist Stereotypical or Stock Character Antagonist Foil Major Character Round Character Minor Character Flat Character Dynamic Character Anti-Hero Static Character Tragic Hero

Protagonist the main character in a story or play the character the story revolves around doesn’t have to be a “good guy” or even particularly likeable

Antagonist the force that opposes or works against the protagonist doesn‘t necessarily have to be a “bad guy” can be a group of characters, institution, nature, or a concept that stands in, or represents, opposition to the protagonist

Major & Minor Characters MAJOR CHARACTERS: Most of the story’s action happens around the major character(s). These major characters are generally complex, round characters. MINOR CHARACTERS: All the other characters in the story who are of lesser importance. Minor characters generally serve a purpose as a plot device or as part of the setting, and once that purpose has been served, the reader generally does not expect to encounter them again.

Round Character like a real person behaves and speaks in the way a human would be expected to changes throughout the story capable of experiencing or showing contradictory emotions or actions shows emotional and psychological development throughout the story

Flat Character shows no mental or emotional development throughout the course of the story may exhibit strong defining characteristics, but is not complex like a round character two-dimensional and predictable – often a stereotype

How to tell if a character is 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.

Stereotypical/Stock Character a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers they are ‘stock’ or ‘typecast’ or ‘stereotypical’ characters Examples: the brave and handsome hero the damsel in distress the old witch the quirky sidekick They are usually not main characters nor are they developed in the story. They usually fulfill background roles.

Static Character Static = not moving or changing 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

Dynamic A dynamic character is a character that undergoes an internal (psychological) change sometime between the beginning and end of the story. The change in the character is usually important to the story itself.

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? 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? If so, the character is dynamic.

Foil 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 - Draco Malfoy’s cowardice contrasts to Harry Potter’s bravery They are not main characters nor are they developed in the story They help us learn more about another character or highlight an important aspect of a story.

Anti-Hero doesn’t possess qualities of a traditional hero (brave, strong, intelligent, generous, etc.) often more relatable to the reader, because the anti-hero is obviously human and flawed at some point in the story, the anti-hero redeems him/herself and saves the day.

Tragic Hero The basic characteristics of a tragic hero explained by Aristotle, including: Hamartia – the tragic flaw that causes downfall of a hero Hubris – excessive pride The hero experiences a reversal of fate (from fortune to downfall) The tragic hero cannot avoid his destiny, usually due to fault of his hubris The audience feels pity or sympathy for the protagonist after his downfall More on this later – keep this type of character in mind when we begin reading Things Fall Apart.