Character development!

A character who remains the same throughout the whole story. Even the events in a story or novel do not change character’s outlook, perceptions, habits, personality, or motivations.

• Static character

• Antagonist

• Dynamic character

• Protagonist

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A bad guy, or an opponent of the main character. The action in the story arises from a conflict between this character and the main character. This kind of character can be a person, an inanimate object, an animal, or nature itself.

• D

• Protagonist

• Static character

• Antagonist

The main character, who creates the action of the plot and engages readers, arousing their empathy and interest. This character is often a hero or heroine of the story, as the whole plot moves around him or her.

• Protag

• Static character

• Round character

• Antagonist

Well-developed and complex figures in a story. They are realistic, and demonstrate depth in their personalities. They can make surprising or puzzling decisions, and attract readers’ attention. There are many factors that may affect them, and these characters react to such factors realistically.

• Roun

• Flat character

• Stock character

A character who does not change during a story; she or he usually only reveals one or two personality traits.

• Roun

• Flat character

• Stock character

A flat character that is instantly recognizable by readers. Ex: "The fool," "the sidekick," "the villain," "the damsel in distress," etc.

• Stock character

• Flat character

• Round character

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In The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Frodo and his friend Sam discover their unexpected personal commitment, emotional and physical strength, and dedication to the cause. Gandalf discovers that his trust was broken by his fellow wizards, thus he transforms into a magician with a stronger character. Aragorn, an heir to line of kings, gives up his title; however, over the period of time he discovers his leadership skills, and decides to regain his crown. All of these characters provide us with good examples of ___________, each having depth of personality, and abilities to surprise the readers.

• Stock character

• Round characters

• Static characters

• Protagonists

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is a tightfisted person. He forces his workers to work hard, but gives them peanuts in return. However, after undergoing some very strange and disturbing experiences with the ghosts, he changes his ways – paying his employees more than their fair wages, giving them days off work, and even gives gifts. This transformation makes him fit into the role of a...

• Static character

• Flat character

• Antagonist

• Dynamic character

A character who changes during the course of a novel or a story. This change in character or his/her outlook is permanent. That is why sometimes this kind of character is also called a “developing character.”

• Static character

• Protagonist

• Dynamic character

• Antagonist