1. Learning about character types through fairy tales

2. 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.

3. 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!!)

4. 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?

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. “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.

11. 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”

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Examples of Stock Characters
The Damsel in Distress:
The Fairy Godmother:
The Evil Stepmother:

16. Examples of Stock Characters:
Evil Wizard/Wicked Witch:
Prince Charming:
The Sidekick:

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