Characterization Terms

The central character or hero in a narrative or drama - usually, the one with whom the audience identifies with; major character; the good guy

• Antagonist

• Protagonist

• Flat character

• Dynamic character

When a writer tells what the character is like

• Round character

• Indirect characterization

• Static character

• Direct characterization

A character that does NOT change

• Flat character

• Antagonist

• Static character

• Dynamic character

A character not fully developed in a story and is often one-sided and stereotypical

• Flat character

• Static character

• Dynamic character

• Round character

The principal character in opposition to the protagonist. Sometimes, not a person, but an obstacle such as a force or nature, society or inner conflict; major character; the bad guy/force

• Flat character

• Antagonist

• Protagonist

• Round character

When a writer shows what a character is like by describing what the character says and does

• Direct characterization

• Protagonist

• Indirect characterization

• Antagonist

A character that changes in a piece of literature

• Flat character

• Dynamic character

• Round character

• Static character

A fully developed character. The reader knows a lot about this character and he/she exhibits many traits

• Direct characterization

• Static character

• Round character

• Flat character