Elements of Character

Elements of Character

Character Types

Function

• The main function of a character in a story is to extend or prolong the plot, make it readable and interesting.

• Many stories use multiple characters, and every story has a main character that affects the plot a great deal. 

• The main character could be a protagonist, an antagonist, a dynamic, a static, a flat, or a round character. 

• Readers feel that the characters given in the literary pieces exist, and they enjoy reading their real and lifelike figures and actions.

Types of Characters

• Confidant

• Dynamic Character

• Static Character

• Antagonist

• Protagonist

• Round Character

• Flat Character

Poll

Which character types are you most familiar with?

• Confidante

• Dynamic Character

  Static Character

• Antagonist

  Protagonist

• Round Character

  Flat Character

Protagonist

• Every story has a protagonist, the main character, who creates the action of the plot and engages readers, arousing their empathy and interest. 

• The protagonist is often a hero or heroine of the story, as the whole plot moves around him or her.

Antagonist

• An antagonist is a bad guy, or an opponent of the protagonist or the main character. 

• The action in the story arises from a conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist. 

• The antagonist can be a person, an inanimate object, an animal, or nature itself.

Multiple Choice

Antagonist is the main character

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Protagonist is just the hero in the story

• True

• False

Protagonist is who the story is about

Confidant

• A confidant is someone the main character confides in. 

• He reveals the central character’s thoughts, intentions, and personality traits.

• An animal can also be a confidant.

• However, a confidant does not necessarily need to be a person. 

Dynamic Character

• A dynamic character changes during the course of a novel or a story. 

• This change in character or his/her outlook is permanent. 

• That is why sometimes a dynamic character is also called a “developing character.”

Static Character

• A static character 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.

Round Character

• The round characters are well-developed and complex figures in a story.

• They are more realistic, and demonstrate more depth in their personalities.

• They can make surprising or puzzling decisions, and attract readers’ attention.

• There are many factors that may affect them, and round characters react to such factors realistically.

Flat Character

• A flat character does not change during a story.

• Also, he or she usually only reveals one or two personality traits.

• One dimensional

• We don't know much about this character and they don't really affect the outcome of the story