Types of Characters in Fiction

Round A round character has a complex personality. He or she will show a range of emotion throughout a story. Hermione – a bit of a snooty know-it-all, develops into a good and loyal friend.

FLAT Flat characters are two-dimensional. They are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the course of a work. Bellatrix – bad at the beginning, bad at the middle, bad in the end.

Static A character is considered static if he or she doesn’t develop change much in personality as the story unfolds. Voldemort – selfish and bad to the bone from childhood on.

Dynamic If a character changes and grows as a person as the story progresses, he or she is a dynamic character. Harry – from a skinny orphaned child to a mature world-saving wizard.

Setting When learning to write a story or play, you need to describe the setting that your characters are interacting in. Setting is important because it helps readers understand and interpret where a character is and what time period the character is living in. Some setting descriptions are important to the story because they influence the plot while other setting descriptions are simply aesthetic.

Integral Setting An integral setting is essential to the plot of the story. The action, character, or theme is influenced by a integral setting. *Often found in historical fiction.*

Example of Integral Setting Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Without Wonderland, the strange characters and inexplicable events would not have taken place • Real world does not operate that way•

Integral Setting The Great Gatsby --Depends on social environment of 1920’s and the activities common to people living in Long Island and New York City (social gatherings, boating, etc.)

Backdrop Setting This type of setting is relatively unimportant to the plot. The setting is vague and general. “Long ago in a cottage in the woods…” “Once upon a time…” Sets the stage and mood. Could the action take place meaningfully in another setting? If the answer is, “yes,” it’s a backdrop setting.

Background Settings: A basic setting that does not shape the events of the story– Story not affected if moved to different time/place Backdrop settings are commonly used in stories that are very character driven. The setting is only needed so that scenes can take place and be understood by the audience. The real focus is on the events, the character's thoughts, or character relationships.