1. Characterization and Types of Characters

2. Characters vs. Characterization
Character – a person (or animal or natural force presented as a person) in a work of literature
Characterization – the way an author presents a character (directly or indirectly)

3. Protagonist
The Protagonist - the main character in a work of literature; the protagonist is central to the action of a story and moves against the antagonist.

4. Antagonist a character or force opposing
the protagonist; not necessarily a villain or
“bad guy”

5. Foil
a type of antagonist that offsets the protagonist or other characters by comparison or by stopping a plan

6. Confidante
someone in whom the central character confides, thus revealing the main character’s personality, thoughts, and intentions. The confidante does not need to be a person.

7. Stock/Stereotype
a familiar character type requiring little or no imagination on the part of the author

8. Archetype
a prototype, model, or “perfect example”

9. These are the common types of characters we see in literature.
Round characters
Flat characters
Dynamic characters
Static characters

10. Round Characters
a character presented in-depth from many angles; may be complex and many-sided
Round characters have various characteristics or traits.

11. Flat Character a character about whom we know very little
Readers see one side of a flat character.
Flat characters are usually minor characters and reveal one or two traits.
Flat characters may be used as a contrast to a major character.

12. Dynamic Character a character who changes due to events in the story
Scrooge changes from a tight-fisted, greedy unhappy man to one who was generous and loved life.
Gru changes from a villain set on destroying the world to a loving father.

13. Static Character
Static characters are one dimensional—readers see only one side.
Static characters stay the same and do not develop.
Readers learn little about this character.