Characterization Literary Elements

Albus Dumbledore Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets It is our choices... that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

A well-developed character is one that has been thoroughly characterized, with many traits shown in the narrative. A well-developed character acts according to past instances provided by its visible traits unless more information about the character is provided. The better the audience knows the character, the better the character development Well-developed

In contrast, an underdeveloped  character is considered flat or stereotypical.

The main character in a story is called the protagonist The main character in a story is called the protagonist. She or he is always involved in the main conflict and its resolution. Protagonist

The person opposing the protagonist is called the antagonist.

In fiction, a foil is a character who contrasts with another character (usually the protagonist) in order to highlight various features of that other character's personality, throwing these characteristics into sharper focus. Foil

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. Flat Character

A round character is a major character in a work of fiction who encounters conflict and is changed by it. Round characters tend to be more fully developed and described than flat, or static, characters. If you think of the characters you most love in fiction, they probably seem as real to you as people you know in real life. This is a good sign that they are round characters. Round Character

A writer employs a number of tools or elements to develop a character, making him or her round, including description and d ialogue. A character's responses to conflict and his or her internal dialogue are also revelatory. Round Character

Stock characters draw from widely known cultural types for their characteristics and mannerisms, and are often used in parody. Every culture has its own set of stock characters. Stock Character