Conflict Characterization Terms

A character struggles against an outside force, such as another character, society as a whole, or something in nature.

Example: John vs. Henry, John vs. American culture, John vs. tornado

• external conflict

• internal conflict

• flat character

• protagonist

The struggle between opposing needs, desires, emotions taking place within a single person.

Example: John’s heart vs. John’s head

• internal conflict

• external conflict

• antagonist

• protagonist

The main character in a story or play.

Example: The Three Little Pigs in the story “The Three Little Pigs”

• protagonist

• antagonist

• internal conflict

• external conflict

The character or force the protagonist must overcome

Example: The Big Bad Wolf in the story of “The Three Little Pigs”

• antagonist

• protagonist

• flat character

• dynamic character

Complex and multi-dimensional characters, like real people.

Example: The third pig in the story of “The Three Little Pigs”

• round character

• dynamic character

• flat character

• protagonist

One dimensional and superficial characters; they can be described in a single sentence.

Example: The first and second pigs in the story of “The Three Little Pigs”

• flat character

• round character

• dynamic character

• antagonist

Characters that change in an important way because of the story’s action.

Example: The first and second pigs in the story of “The Three Little Pigs”

• dynamic characters

• flat characters

• round characters

• static characters

Characters that do not change much or at all during a story.

Example: The third pig in the story of “The Three Little Pigs”

• static character

• round character

• flat character

• dynamic character

Characters that are predictable stereotypes.

Example: The Big Bad Wolf in the story of “The Three Little Pigs”

• stock characters

• flat characters

• round characters

• static characters

When writers tell us directly what a character is like.

Example: John is friendly.

• direct characterization

• indirect characterization

• flat character

• minor character