Types of Characters

Primary

Characters

A primary character is

a main character in

literature. There can

be one or even a

couple of primary

characters in a novel.

They are essential to

the plot of the literary

work.

ProtagonistThe 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 doesn’t necessarily have to be.

Usually the reader sympathizes with the protagonist.

Examples of protagonists:

Protagonist

The protagonist can be and often is the narrator.

The narrator can also be an outside figure who observes what is happening to the protagonist and reports it to the audience, and in this case would not be considered to be a character in the book.

ProtagonistThe 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 don’t

have to be likeableThe Grinch does a lot of

terrible things—sneaks 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 even an institution.

Secondary charactersIn 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 character’s purpose:

Give background information

Showcase the main character’s personality through their interactions

Help the character solve the conflict

Flat characterA 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:

Kind

Loves her grandchildren

Comforts and takes care of others

If this is all we see of the

grandma character, then she’s

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 father

Has ambitions to steal the moon

Falls in love

Gets crabby and irritable at people

Inspires loyalty from his minions

Smart enough to come up with evil plans

Is jealous of younger super-villains

Tries 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.

Dynamic charactersA 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.

Stock and Foil CharactersStock characters are

stereotyped prototypes: Ex) super hero, villian, jock, dumb-

blond

Foil characters serve as a contrast to

the protagonist by causing the

attributes of the protagonist to be

emphasized : Ex) The wicked

stepsisters in Cinderella.

Summary of charactersProtagonist—the story revolves around the character.

Antagonist—the character who acts against the protagonist.

Flat Character—one who is not very developed.

Round Character—one who is mutli-dimensional and complex.

Static Character—one who stays the same throughout the story.

Dynamic Character—one who changes over the course of the

story.

Stock character- a character the represents an obvious

stereotype

Foil character- a character as serves as a contrast to the

protagonist, causing the attributes of the main character to be

emphasized.