Stock Characters Prepackaged for Convenience

Stock Characters are Characters that come prepackaged with – Likes and dislikes – Patterns of behavior – Roles within the story Flat and undeveloped – Not individuals or memorable – Usually based on or representing stereotypes

Stock Characters are Defined by a single characteristic – Wicked stepmother in fairy tales – Henpecked husband – Loyal servant – Arrogant prince – Sheltered princess

Stock Characters in Fiction are Usually secondary characters that – Add balance main characters – Create a sense of familiarity for readers – Are almost a part of the setting (servants in a large manor, other soldiers in a company/platoon, classmates in school, coworkers, etc.)

Examples The Duke and Dauphin in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Ruthless Con-Artists – Greedy – No morals – Dishonest – Self-centered – Conniving/scheming – Cruel

Examples The wet nurse in Romeo and Juliet: loyal servant – Cares for Juliet – Helps Juliet deceive Lord and Lady Capulet – Provides comic relief – Unfailing loyalty

Examples Prince Charming who rescues any of the following: – Sleeping Beauty – Rapunzel – Snow White – Cinderella Think about it: for the most part he shows up in the end and is defined by his ability to be handsome and charming