1. Types of Characters
Goal: to define and provide examples of types of characters an author can include in a story.

2. Different Types of Characters
Protagonist
Stereotypical or Stock Character
Antagonist
Foil
Major Character
Round Character
Minor Character
Flat Character
Dynamic Character
Anti-Hero
Static Character
Tragic Hero

3. Protagonist the main character in a story or play
the character the story revolves around
doesn’t have to be a “good guy” or even particularly likeable

4. Antagonist the force that opposes or works against the protagonist
doesn‘t necessarily have to be a “bad guy”
can be a group of characters, institution, nature, or a concept that stands in, or represents, opposition to the protagonist

5. Major & Minor Characters
MAJOR CHARACTERS:
Most of the story’s action happens around the major character(s).
These major characters are generally complex, round characters.
MINOR CHARACTERS:
All the other characters in the story who are of lesser importance.
Minor characters generally serve a purpose as a plot device or as part of the setting, and once that purpose has been served, the reader generally does not expect to encounter them again.

6. Round Character like a real person
behaves and speaks in the way a human would be expected to
changes throughout the story
capable of experiencing or showing contradictory emotions or actions
shows emotional and psychological development throughout the story

7. Flat Character
shows no mental or emotional development throughout the course of the story
may exhibit strong defining characteristics, but is not complex like a round character
two-dimensional and predictable – often a stereotype

8. How to tell if a character is round or flat:
As a reader, judge whether or not the character is round or flat by trying to write down characteristics of the character.
Answer the question: What do you know about the character? If your list is long, with many characteristics, then the character is round. If your list is short, or there are not many characteristics at all, then the character is flat.

9. Stereotypical/Stock Character
a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers
they are ‘stock’ or ‘typecast’ or ‘stereotypical’ characters
Examples: the brave and handsome hero
the damsel in distress
the old witch
the quirky sidekick
They are usually not main characters nor are they developed in the story. They usually fulfill background roles.

10. Static Character Static = not moving or changing
In order for a character to be considered a static character, the character must remain basically the same throughout the entire story.
The character does not undergo any internal changes

11. Dynamic
A dynamic character is a character that undergoes an internal (psychological) change sometime between the beginning and end of the story.
The change in the character is usually important to the story itself.

12. Static or Dynamic?
The key word when dealing with the difference between static and dynamic characters is change.
The type of change, though, is specific. We are only concerned with internal changes — changes which occur within the character.
Internal changes include a change in his/her personality, a change in his/her outlook on life, a change in his/her values, or it could be an overall change in the nature of the character.

13. Static or Dynamic?
Look closely at your character at the beginning of the story. Ask these three questions:
How does the character feel about him/her/itself?
How does the character act towards others?
What is the character’s goal?
Examine your character throughout the story and at the end of the story. Have the answers to the questions changed? If so, the character is dynamic.

15. Foil
special kind of character who is used to enhance another character through contrast
i.e. as opposites they highlight qualities of a central character
Examples include:
- the mean step-sisters contrast to Cinderella’s character
- Draco Malfoy’s cowardice contrasts to Harry Potter’s bravery
They are not main characters nor are they developed in the story
They help us learn more about another character or highlight an important aspect of a story.

16. Anti-Hero
doesn’t possess qualities of a traditional hero (brave, strong, intelligent, generous, etc.)
often more relatable to the reader, because the anti-hero is obviously human and flawed
at some point in the story, the anti-hero redeems him/herself and saves the day.

17. Tragic Hero
The basic characteristics of a tragic hero explained by Aristotle, including:
Hamartia – the tragic flaw that causes downfall of a hero
Hubris – excessive pride
The hero experiences a reversal of fate (from fortune to downfall)
The tragic hero cannot avoid his destiny, usually due to fault of his hubris
The audience feels pity or sympathy for the protagonist after his downfall
More on this later – keep this type of character in mind when we begin reading Things Fall Apart.