Character Types

Introduction O This lesson is about the different types of characters found in literature. The different types I will cover in this lesson are the round, flat, static, and dynamic characters. I will explain what each of these entail so that you can identify types of characters in stories that you read.

Flat/Round Characters These terms define how in depth a character is portrayed in a story. Think about it 1-D vs. 3-D.

Flat Character Flat characters have few but easily recognizable traits that make them stereotypical characters. 1-D, no depth. Example: Mr. Filch, the caretaker of Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a flat character, with his only undying obsession being finding students breaking school rules. (School bully, class clown, mean teacher, etc.)

Round Character These characters are many sided and complex, with more than three characteristics shown. This is a character that develops through the story and is very realistic. 3-D Example: Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley and Severus Snape are among some of the round characters in this series.

Static/Dynamic Character These terms define whether a character changes during a story.

Static Character These characters stay the same throughout the story. The character does NOT change through out the story. Example: In the Harry Potter series, we find that Bellatrix Lestrange is a static character. We notice that her personality is consistent and does not change; nor does our knowledge of her character increase throughout.

Dynamic Character A dynamic character is someone whose personality changes through the course of writing, due to a change in the situation or the plot. This may be from weak to strong, from strong to weak, from a cheery person to a person in distress (Note: Not always the protagonist). Example: Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter's classmate, who is the perpetually petrified student at Hogwart's. However, toward the end of the series, he leads an army of students to fight against Voldemort, the evil character feared by all.

Practice! 2/08/04/tricks-to-teaching-character-typeshttp://allaccesspassblog.wordpress.com/201 2/08/04/tricks-to-teaching-character-types. Turn and Talk to decide Flat vs. Round: Dory or Marlin? Static vs. Dynamic: Shrek or Lord Farquaad?

Flat vs. Round Flat Round  One dimensional  Character is limited  See one side or characteristic of the character  Probably will not change over the course of the story/novel  Three dimensional  Character is a complete pictured and as complicated as you and me  Identify with the character  Enough information to determine flaws or virtues

Static vs. Dynamic Static Dynamic  Stays the same  Limited portrayal in story and does not allow for change or growth  Uninteresting and serve a specific purpose related to the plot and main character(s)  Changes as a result of the events in the story  Portrayed early in one way and develops over the time the story covers and as a result of events in the plot  Typically the main character(s) and changes are clearly explained