Learning about character types through fairy tales

Protagonist vs. Antagonist In most stories, there will be a protagonist and an antagonist. Most of the time, the protagonist and antagonist will both be one person, but sometimes, there can be more than one protagonist/antagonist – or, a group can serve the role of the protagonist/antagonist. For example, in The Outsiders, we talked about how The Socs (a group) were the antagonist.

The Protagonist The central (main) character of the story The person on whom the action centers or who pushes the action forward Attempts to accomplish or overcome something Usually dynamic (we will come back to this) Usually seen as a good person: the hero or heroine (but not always!!)

Examples of Protagonist Who is was the protagonist in… The Five People You Meet in Heaven The Outsiders “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” “The Cinder-Maid” Other examples?

The Antagonist Character or force that keeps the protagonist from fulfilling the action or overcoming the conflict Wants something that is in opposition to what the protagonist wants Usually seen as the bad guy or villain Can be static or dynamic

Examples of Antagonist Who is was the antagonist in… The Outsiders “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” “The Cinder-Maid” Other examples?

Static vs. Dynamic Characters In literature, all characters are either static or dynamic. You may have heard these character types described as either flat or round characters. Dynamic characters undergo a significant internal change from the beginning to end of the story. Static characters do not undergo this change.

Dynamic (“Round”) Characters Undergoes an important, internal change throughout the story Comes to some sort of realization that permanently changes the character The change occurs because of events in the story

Static (Flat) Character Remains the same throughout the story Although something may happen to the character, it doesn’t cause the character to change permanently Minor characters are usually static

“Successful” Static + Dynamic Characters Most people will say that all protagonists must be dynamic characters. However, this is not always true. Most, but not all, protagonists will undergo a permanent internal change in the story (dynamic) However, there are also some examples of “successful” protagonists who stay the same (static) throughout the story. http://timvandevall.com/static-characters-dynamic-characters/

Dynamic or Static?? Eddie in The Five People You Meet in Heaven Ponyboy in The Outsiders Cherry in The Outsiders Two Bit Matthews in The Outsiders Cinder-Maid The Stepmother in “The Cinder-Maid” The Queen in “Snow White”

Stock (Stereotype) Characters Stock characters are stereotypical characters. Certain character types show up often in literature, movies, and television and are easily recognized and understood by audiences. They are widely used characters with similar traits.

Stock Characters in Fairy Tales The Damsel in Distress: A young (usually beautiful) girl who is in some sort of trouble and must be saved (usually by a prince). The Fairy Godmother: A protective figure who helps the protagonist. The Evil Stepmother: Usually stepmother to a female protagonist. The stepmother is jealous of or cruel to the protagonist in some way.

Stock Characters in Fairy Tales The Evil Wizard or Wicked Witch: Usually puts a curse on the protagonist or tricks them. Prince Charming: The handsome man. He probably saves the Damsel in Distress. He is good and virtuous. The Sidekick: This person is not the same as a Fairy Godmother, but is usually the best friend or helper of the protagonist or another character in the story.

Examples of Stock Characters The Damsel in Distress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPX2PKDnek4 The Fairy Godmother: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_-KwciX-UQ The Evil Stepmother: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6SdCDpvTnw

Examples of Stock Characters: Evil Wizard/Wicked Witch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0fWYtwvrww Prince Charming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV1blh5H_aI The Sidekick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzLEjzvygYE

Create-A-Character See the back of your sheet for instructions.