Types of Characters

This presentation is a simple introduction or review to the types of characters found in literatary works.

1. Types of Characters

2. Primary Characters A primary character is a main character in literature. There can be one or even a couple of primary characters in a novel. They are essential to the plot of the literary work.

3. Protagonist The story is shaped around the protagonist. He is the one trying to achieve a goal in the story. The protagonist is often the main character, but doesn’t necessarily have to be . Usually the reader sympathizes with the protagonist.

4. Examples of protagonists:

5. Protagonist The protagonist can be and often is the narrator. The narrator can also be an outside figure who observes what is happening to the protagonist and reports it to the audience, and in this case would not be considered to be a character in the book .

6. Protagonist The protagonist doesn't have to be a hero. The character might not be likeable but he is still the protagonist because the story is mainly about him.

7. Example: Protagonists don’t have to be likeable The Grinch does a lot of terrible things—sneaks into homes, steals presents, tries to ruin Christmas. He is not likeable for much of the story yet he is the protagonist because the story is about him.

8. antagonist The character who acts against the protagonist is called the antagonist . The antagonist opposes the protagonist and causes problems for him.

9. Examples of antagonists

10. Antagonist Remember the antagonist doesn't have to be a bad guy. Sometimes the antagonist can be a group of people combined or even an institution.

11. Secondary characters In a novel, you are also introduced to many secondary or minor characters. These characters still play a role in the development of the story and have a purpose, but their role is smaller than the major characters . Some examples of a secondary character’s purpose: Give background information Showcase the main character’s personality through their interactions Help the character solve the conflict

12. Flat character A flat character is one that often fits into a stereotype. The character is not very developed. We only see one side of the flat character. Few traits shown. Usually, the flat characters are the secondary characters.

13. Example of Flat Character Suppose there is a grandma in the story. The grandma is: Kind Loves her grandchildren Comforts and takes care of others If this is all we see of the grandma character, then she’s a flat character.

14. Round characters A round character is one that is multi-dimensional just like real people are. These characters are complex and we get to see a glimpse of their complexity in the novel. Usually your protagonist, and often your antagonist, are round characters.

15. Example of a round character Gru is a round character because we see many sides of him and he reveals a range of emotions. Is an over-protective father Has ambitions to steal the moon Falls in love Gets crabby and irritable at people Inspires loyalty from his minions Smart enough to come up with evil plans Is jealous of younger super-villains Tries to leave behind his life of crime

16. Static characters A static character doesn't change. Character is exactly the same at end of the novel as he was at the beginning of the novel. This may be because he is a flat character or he just doesn't learn from his experiences . Example: Stepmom mean at the beginning and the end of the story.

17. Dynamic characters A dynamic character is one that changes over the course of the story. It may be a simple shift in attitude or a complete turn-around. The character might be wiser or might change his path in life altogether . The change might not be for the better.

18. Examples of dynamic characters Anakin Skywalker is lured to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader. Shrek learns to love and let others into his life. He is no longer a loner.

19. Stock and Foil Characters Stock characters are stereotyped prototypes: Ex) super hero, villian , jock, dumb-blond Foil characters serve as a contrast to the protagonist by causing the attributes of the protagonist to be emphasized : Ex) The wicked stepsisters in Cinderella.

20. Summary of characters Protagonist—the story revolves around the character . Antagonist —the character who acts against the protagonist . Flat Character—one who is not very developed . Round Character—one who is mutli -dimensional and complex . Static Character—one who stays the same throughout the story . Dynamic Character—one who changes over the course of the story . Stock character- a character the represents an obvious stereotype Foil character- a character as serves as a contrast to the protagonist, causing the attributes of the main character to be emphasized.