Understanding Characters

What is the protagonist in a story?

• The person who causes problems for others

• The main character who drives the story forward

• The background character who never changes

• The narrator who tells the story

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What is the antagonist?

• The main character’s best friend

• A person or force that opposes the protagonist

• A flat character who never changes

• The narrator of the story

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True or False:

The antagonist is always a character in the story.

• True

• False

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A static character is one who:

• Changes and grows throughout the story

• Feels real and complex

• Stays the same in personality, values, or outlook

• Creates the main conflict

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A dynamic character is one who:

• Never changes

• Changes because of lessons or events

• Is the story’s antagonist

• Only shows one personality trait

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Which statement best describes a round character?

• The reader only knows one or two traits about them

• They are simple and one-dimensional

• They are complex and believable

• They never change

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Which statement best describes a flat character?

• They are realistic and detailed

• They show many sides of their personality

• They change and grow throughout the story

• They show only one main trait

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A story follows a girl trying to train for her first 5K race. She questions if she should even have such a big goal because most days after school she just lies on her bed scrolling TikTok. She’s not what anyone would call athletic. Not like her best friend, Addie. When it’s time to put on her running clothes and head out for a training day, she always finds excuses — it’s too hot, too late, too much homework. When race day arrives, she has only trained a hand full of days.

Who or what is the antagonist in this story?

• Her best friend

• Her running shoes.

• Her own fear and insecurity

• TikTok

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A character in a movie is brave, funny, and loyal from beginning to end. We don’t see them change, but they help the main character grow.

How would you classify this character?

• Dynamic

• Flat

• Static

• Antagonist

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In a story, the main character doesn’t change, but her best friend grows more confident and independent.
Which statement is true?

• Both characters are static

• The main character is dynamic

• The friend is dynamic

• Neither character is round

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