Character TypesLearning about character types

through fairy tales

Protagonist vs. AntagonistIn most stories, there will be a protagonist and

an antagonist.

Most of the time, the protagonist and antagonist will both be one person, but sometimes, there can be more than one protagonist/antagonist – or, a group can serve the role of the protagonist/antagonist. For example, in The Outsiders, we talked about how The Socs (a group) were the antagonist.

The Protagonist

The central (main) character of the storyThe person on whom the action centers or

who pushes the action forwardAttempts to accomplish or overcome

somethingUsually dynamic (we will come back to this)Usually seen as a good person: the hero or

heroine (but not always!!)

Examples of Protagonist

• Who is was the protagonist in…– The Five People You Meet in Heaven– The Outsiders– “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”– “The Cinder-Maid”

• Other examples?

The Antagonist

Character or force that keeps the protagonist from fulfilling the action or overcoming the conflict

Wants something that is in opposition to what the protagonist wants

Usually seen as the bad guy or villainCan be static or dynamic

Examples of Antagonist

• Who is was the antagonist in…– The Outsiders– “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”– “The Cinder-Maid”

• Other examples?

Static vs. Dynamic Characters

In literature, all characters are either static or dynamic. You may have heard these character types described as either flat or round characters.

Dynamic characters undergo a significant internal change from the beginning to end of the story.

Static characters do not undergo this change.

Dynamic (“Round”) Characters

Undergoes an important, internal change throughout the story

Comes to some sort of realization that permanently changes the character

The change occurs because of events in the story

Static (Flat) Character

Remains the same throughout the storyAlthough something may happen to the

character, it doesn’t cause the character to change permanently

Minor characters are usually static

“Successful” Static + Dynamic Characters

• Most people will say that all protagonists must be dynamic characters. However, this is not always true.

• Most, but not all, protagonists will undergo a permanent internal change in the story (dynamic)

• However, there are also some examples of “successful” protagonists who stay the same (static) throughout the story.

http://timvandevall.com/static-characters-dynamic-characters/

Dynamic or Static??

• Eddie in The Five People You Meet in Heaven• Ponyboy in The Outsiders• Cherry in The Outsiders• Two Bit Matthews in The Outsiders• Cinder-Maid• The Stepmother in “The Cinder-Maid”• The Queen in “Snow White”

Stock (Stereotype) Characters

• Stock characters are stereotypical characters. Certain character types show up often in literature, movies, and television and are easily recognized and understood by audiences. They are widely used characters with similar traits.

Stock Characters in Fairy Tales

• The Damsel in Distress: A young (usually beautiful) girl who is in some sort of trouble and must be saved (usually by a prince).

• The Fairy Godmother: A protective figure who helps the protagonist.

• The Evil Stepmother: Usually stepmother to a female protagonist. The stepmother is jealous of or cruel to the protagonist in some way.

Stock Characters in Fairy Tales

• The Evil Wizard or Wicked Witch: Usually puts a curse on the protagonist or tricks them.

• Prince Charming: The handsome man. He probably saves the Damsel in Distress. He is good and virtuous.

• The Sidekick: This person is not the same as a Fairy Godmother, but is usually the best friend or helper of the protagonist or another character in the story.

Examples of Stock Characters

• The Damsel in Distress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPX2PKDnek4

• The Fairy Godmother: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_-KwciX-UQ

• The Evil Stepmother: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6SdCDpvTnw

Examples of Stock Characters:

• Evil Wizard/Wicked Witch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0fWYtwvrww

• Prince Charming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV1blh5H_aI

• The Sidekick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzLEjzvygYE

Create-A-Character

• See the back of your sheet for instructions.