Types of Characters and Character Traits

Characters are:• The people, animals, or imaginary creatures in a

work of literature.

Main Character is:• The most important character in a piece.• It’s also referred as a protagonist.

Minor Character is a:• Less important character, helps move the action

forward and helps readers learn about the main character(s).

Round Character is:• A complex, highly developed character with

different sides to his or her personality.• They have both strengths and weaknesses.

Cassie Logan Ponyboy Katniss

Flat Character is:• A character that is NOT highly developed.• They usually have ONE distinguishing trait or one

specific role in the story, and exist mainly to advance events in the plot.

Voldermort

Mrs. Everdeen

Foil Character is:• A character who exists to provide a contrast with

a main character.• For example: if the main character is timid, a foil

who is daring can highlight the timidity.

Stereotypes are:• Flat characters worn out from overuse, that

writers usually avoid; stereotypes may serve as a foil and provide humor, but they can also be offensive.

• Examples: cold unfeeling banker or the absent-minded professor.

Static vs. Dynamic Characters:• Static characters do not experience basic

character changes during the course of the story.

• Dynamic characters experience changes throughout the plot of a story. Although the change may be sudden, it is expected based on the story’s events.

Character Traits are:• The qualities of a character, such as his or her

personality.• Think of adjectives for character traits.• Writers use four main methods to reveal

character’s traits:

1. Direct Comments2. Physical Description3. Speech, Actions, or Thoughts4. How others React

Direct Comments • About the character’s personality by the narrator.• Example: All summer Judd had worked, saving

money in a mature, responsible way. (Character traits: maturity, responsibility)

Physical Description• Of a character’s appearance.• Example: Judd kept his room and his attire neat

and tidy, but his eyes held a pacing wildness that begged to be let go. (Character traits: conflicted, controlled, inner turmoil)

Speech, Actions, or Thoughts

• Of a character• Example: Secretly Judd dreamed of joining a rock

band. With money in his pocket, he swaggered into a store and asked about the fancy guitar. He learned it was very expensive- fit for a professional. “Well, I’m not at that level yet,” said Judd, not admitting that he didn’t even know how to play. (Character traits: imagination, insecurity, pretense)

How others React:

• To the Character.• Example: The clerk showed Judd an affordable

guitar. Judd pretended to finger the strings. As Judd paid for the guitar, the clerk took pity on him. “I see you really want to play,” he said. “I teach lessons. If you’re willing to start at the beginning and practice. I’ll give you a discount.” (Character traits: determination, inability to pretend convincingly)

Refl ection Questions:

1. How well do you understand the major ideas of this lesson?

2. Do you have specific questions about today’s lessons?