1. Character Analysis The Many Faces of Literary Individuals

2. Characters Arguably the most important elements in a work of fiction One of three basic, essential components of a fictional story (conflict, setting) defined as a physical being involved in the plot of a work fiction Characters

3. Protagonist

4. The main positive character who must face and overcome conflict commonly referred to as a “hero” or “good guy”... Protagonists are those characters for whom the reader roots/supports (pro = for)

5. Antagonists

6. main negative character who creates conflict antagonists oppose the protagonist commonly called “villains” or “bad guys” “ant-” = against Antagonist

7. Round Character

8. possesses a variety of traits well-described, detailed, and developed multi-dimensional and interesting “Rule of Five”: five meaningful details = a round character

9. Flat Character basic, boring and one-dimensional character lacking in description and traits often a supporting character usually has limited emotional impact upon the reader/audience

10. Static Character

11. a character who does not change significantly throughout a work does not develop or grow maintains same personal traits and characteristics

12. Dynamic Character

13. a character who changes significantly throughout a work undergoes meaningful and important growth or development changes do not have to be positive dynamic characters are more common in extended works (novels, etc.)

14. Stock Character We’ve seen them before...

15. Stock Character a generic, reoccurring character type a commonly known brand of literary individual ex) an evil scientist bent on world domination ex) a brilliant but eccentric detective who knows more than he lets on.

16. Neutral Character a character who is neither negative nor positive often a subordinate character rarely serves a significant role in a story

17. Subordinate Character a supporting character is not a crucial member of the cast of characters they do serve a purpose, but are not central to the plot are often flat and static as well

18. Antihero

19. a protagonist who shares the qualities of an antagonist a character for whom we root, but with a negative side often the most interesting and thought- provoking questions blurs the lines between good and evil