Characterization

Major Characters Almost always round or three-dimensional characters. They have good and bad qualities; their goals, ambitions, and values change. A round character changes as a result of what happens to him or her.

Almost always flat or two-dimensional characters Almost always flat or two-dimensional characters. They have only one or two striking qualities. Their predominant quality is not balanced by an opposite quality; they are usually all bad or all good. Minor Characters

Protagonist Is the main character of a story Dominates the story Action revolves around him/her/it

Antagonist Force or character in opposition to the protagonist Often known as the villain or evil force Antagonist

Subordinate Minor character Acts as a contrast to the other characters Often in the story to reveal information Usually adds detail to the setting and about the characters Subordinate

Round Character Main character of the story Many sides to his/her personality The author allows the reader to see all areas of this character (mentally and physically) Usually only one round character in the story because of development time within a story

Flat Character Usually a minor character in the story Not a developed character Only see one side of the character Flat Character

Usually the major character(s) will go through a permanent change in some aspect of their life or personality The change can be large or small The change is important to the character’s personality and development The change comes from a crucial situation in the life of the character Dynamic character

Static character The character undergoes no change in the story This type of character will remain the same from the beginning to the end of the story

Stock character Also known as a stereotyped character Usually a flat character Occurs so often in literature that the character and his/her/its traits are easily recognized Examples: “rigid” army sargeant “mad” scientist “wicked” witch or stepmother