Character Types

1. Character Types The following terms can be usedto discuss characters in a poem,story, or drama.

2. PROTAGONIST • The Protagonist is the main character • – ‘pro’ means for • – ‘agonist’ means a competitor, as in a sport or contest • – So the protagonist is who the audience knows best

3. Antagonist • The Antagonist is the opponent, the villain, or the source of conflict • – The antagonist could be the ‘bad guy’ or it could be anything that the protagonist must struggle against like bad weather such as deep snow, a bad social system like severe poverty, or a bad habit

4. Major Character • A Major Character is a main character but not necessarily the main character.

5. Minor Character • A Minor Character is a supporting, less important character

6. Round Character • A Round Character is well developed or complex and has motivations that can be empathized with (empathy is understanding or being sensitive to the feelings or experiences of another. • The reader is able to see ALL sides of a round character.

7. Flat Character • A Flat Character is a stereotyped or stock character. • This character has one trait or very few traits. We often only see one side of this character.

8. Dynamic Character • A Dynamic Character is a character that changes or experiences a “character arc”: • – This is an experience in the story that gives the character insight and causes him to change (or grow) by the end of the story

9. Static Character • This is a character that does not experience change throughout the story. • Often (not all the time) these characters are flat characters.

10. Foil Character • A Foil Character is a character that can be used as a contrast to the main character

11. Flaw • A Flaw is a trait; it may be a weakness or a defect that causes failure • To analyze character (and therefore to get deeper insight into the theme) look for character flaws

12. Direct Vs. Indirect Characterization • Direct: the writer makes direct statements about a character's personality and tells what the character is like. • Indirect: the writer reveals information about a character and his personality through that character's thoughts, words, and actions, along with how other characters respond to that character, including what they think and say about him.

13. What Type? • Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.

14. What Type? • Julie owned a multitude of outfits and accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.