1. Types of Characters
English 9

2. Writer’s Notebook
Who is a character (from a book, film, etc.) with whom you identify with? OR Who is a character that you would be friends with?
Why are your drawn to that character?
What makes them such a great character?

3. Protagonist, Antagonist, Foils
Protagonist – the main character. Who we identify
with or feel the most connection to
Antagonist – the one who is in conflict with the
protagonist
Foils –a character that shows qualities that are in contrast with the qualities of another character with the objective to highlight the traits of the other character.
A foil is a secondary character who contrasts with the major character to enhance the importance of the major character.

4. Flat vs. Round Characters
Simple characters
We don’t know much about them
They help us understand the round characters better
Complex characters
We know a lot about them
- Details about them physically,
mentally, emotionally, etc.
They give us our focus for reading

5. Static vs. Dynamic Static Dynamic
Do not change
Do not show growth
The events do not impact their views/attitudes
Change from start to finish
They show growth and maturity
The events DO impact how they view the world
IMPORTANT: These are not the same as round and
flat characters

7. Characters from “The Most Dangerous Game”
Whitney
Rainsford
General Zaroff
Ivan

8. Characters from “There Will Come Soft Rains”
The house
The idea of family members and a dog

9. Assignment
Using your notes, identify the most interesting character from the short story readings thus far.
Write two strong paragraphs. Each should explain a particular trait that makes the character interesting, emphasizing flat or round; and static or dynamic.

10. Assignment Using your notes, create plot structure
The plot structure must include a minimum of:
The inciting incident
3 events in the exposition (pg. #s)
5 events in the rising action (pg. #s)
The climax (pg. #)
3 details for the falling action and resolution (pg. #s)

11. Characters from “The Most Dangerous Game”
Whitney
Rainsford
General Zaroff
Ivan

12. Characters from “The Gift of the Magi”
James Dillingham Young ("Jim")
Della