Types of Characters

Types of Characters

Language Arts 7

Protagonist

The story is shaped around the protagonist. He is the one trying to achieve a goal in the story.

The protagonist is often the main character, but doesnt necessarily have to be.

Examples of protagonists:

Protagonist

The protagonist doesn't have to be the narrator.

The narrator could be an outside figure who observes what is happening to the protagonist and reports it to the audience.

Protagonist

The protagonist doesn't have to be a hero.

The character might not be likeable but he is still the protagonist because the story is mainly about him.

Example: Protagonists dont have to be likeable

The Grinch does a lot of terrible thingssneaks into homes, steals presents, tries to ruin Christmas.

He is not likeable for much of the story yet he is the protagonist because the story is about him.

antagonist

The character who acts against the protagonist is called the antagonist.

The antagonist opposes the protagonist and causes problems for him.

Examples of antagonists

Antagonist

Remember the antagonist doesn't have to be a bad guy. Sometimes the antagonist can be a group of people combined or an institution.

Secondary characters

In a novel, you are also introduced to many secondary or minor characters.

These characters still play a role in the development of the story and have a purpose, but their role is smaller than the major characters. Some examples of a secondary characters purpose:

Give background informationShowcase the main characters personality through their interactionsHelp the character solve the conflict

Flat character

A flat character is one that often fits into a stereotype.

The character is not very developed.

We only see one side of the flat character. Few traits shown.

Usually, the flat characters are the secondary characters.

Example of Flat Character

Suppose there is a grandma in the story.

The grandma is:KindLoves her grandchildrenComforts and takes care of others

If this is all we see of the grandma character, then shes a flat character.

Round characters

A round character is one that is multi-dimensional just like real people are.

These characters are complex and we get to see a glimpse of their complexity in the novel.

Usually your protagonist, and often your antagonist, are round characters.

Example of a round character

Gru is a round character because we see many sides of him and he reveals a range of emotions.

Is an over-protective fatherHas ambitions to steal the moonFalls in loveGets crabby and irritable at peopleInspires loyalty from his minionsSmart enough to come up with evil plansIs jealous of younger super-villainsTries to leave behind his life of crime

Static characters

A static character doesn't change.

Character is exactly the same at end of the novel as he was at the beginning of the novel.

This may be because he is a flat character or he just doesn't learn from his experiences.

Example: Stepmom mean at the beginning and the end of the story.

15

Dynamic characters

A dynamic character is one that changes over the course of the story.

It may be a simple shift in attitude or a complete turn-around.

The character might be wiser or might change his path in life altogether.

The change might not be for the better.

Examples of dynamic characters

Anakin Skywalker is lured to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader.

Shrek learns to love and let others into his life. He is no longer a loner.

Summary of characters

Protagonistthe story revolves around the character.

Antagonistthe character who acts against the protagonist.

Flat Characterone who is not very developed.

Round Characterone who is mutli-dimensional and complex.

Static Characterone who stays the same throughout the story.

Dynamic Characterone who changes over the course of the story.