Character Development in Literature

Flat Character

• A character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait(s) do not change.

• A character or force in conflict with a main character

• A well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits. These characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the course of a story).

• A character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or novel. Events in the story do not alter this character's outlook, personality, motivation, perception, habits, etc.

Round Character

• central character in a story; conflict revolves around the character

• Someone (or something) in whom the central character confides, thus revealing the main character's personality, thoughts, and intentions.

• A well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits. These characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the course of a story).

• A character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait(s) do not change.

Dynamic Character

• Someone (or something) in whom the central character confides, thus revealing the main character's personality, thoughts, and intentions.

• A special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers. Possible examples include the "geek with the pen protector," "silly blond," or "book worm." These characters definitely fit the mold of a stereotypical character. They are not the focus nor developed in the story.

• A character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait(s) do not change.

• A character who changes during the course of a story or novel. The change in outlook or character is permanent. Sometimes this character is called a developing character.

Static Character

• A character or force in conflict with a main character

• central character in a story; conflict revolves around the character

• A character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or novel. Events in the story do not alter this character's outlook, personality, motivation, perception, habits, etc.

• A well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits. These characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the course of a story).

Antagonist

• A character or force in conflict with a main character

• central character in a story; conflict revolves around the character

• A character that is used to enhance another character through contrast. Cinderella's nasty, self-centered stepsisters are clear illustrations of this character type since they emphasize Cinderella's grace and beauty.

• A well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits. These characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the course of a story).

Protagonist

• A special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers. Possible examples include the "geek with the pen protector," "silly blond," or "book worm." These characters definitely fit the mold of a stereotypical character. They are not the focus nor developed in the story.

• central character in a story; conflict revolves around the character

• A character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait(s) do not change.

• A character that is used to enhance another character through contrast. Cinderella's nasty, self-centered stepsisters are clear illustrations of this character type since they emphasize Cinderella's grace and beauty.

Subordinate Character

• The main character of the story.

• The character or force the protagonist struggles against

• add depth and complication to the plot. They are usually flat.

• have many different character traits

What type of Character is Effie Wilcox?

• protagonist

• flat

• antagonist

• round

What type of character is Grandma Dowdel?

• round

• flat

• subordinate

• static

Who is the narrator of A Long Way from Chicago?

• Effie Wilcox

• Grandma Dowdel

• Joey

• Mary Alice