Literary Characters

Character  The people, animals, or imaginary creatures who take part in a story.  In good stories, characters have motivations and relationships that the reader cares about. Characters have traits or qualities, that help readers understand a character’s personality.

Major Character A main or important character; a character who plays a large role in a story. Major characters usually face some sort of obstacle, and they will be present throughout all, or almost all, of the story. A story can have one major character or several. SWORD IN THE STONE

Minor Character A character who does not play a large role in a story. Minor characters usually do not face any obstacles during the course of the story, and they usually do not change during the course of the story. The reader does not usually learn much about minor characters. They are just there for the major characters to interact with and to help advance the plot. Hunger Games Greasy Sae in the Hob

Dynamic Character A character who undergoes a significant internal change over the course of a story, because of the action in the plot. This may be a change in personality or attitude. The character may gain new understanding, values, insight, etc. The reader understands the dynamic character’s thinking and motivations. A Christmas Carol Scrooge

Static Character A character who undergoes little or no significant change over the course of the story. Hunger Games Primrose Everdeen

Flat Character Flat characters are one dimensional in that they are relatively uncomplicated and do not change throughout the course of a work.

Round They are complex and undergo development, sometimes sufficiently to surprise the reader.

Direct characterization the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed by the use of descriptive adjectives, phrases, or epithets.

Indirect characterization the process by which the personality of a fictitious character is revealed through the character's speech, actions, appearance, etc.