Static, Dynamic, Flat, Round

Other types of character

Why know this?

Every character falls into a type of character

We’ve already done protagonist and antagonist

Now we’re ready for dynamic or static and flat or round

Flat or Round

A Flat Character is one who has only one or two character traits

These characters have no depth and are usually an archetype, such as villain, and can be summed up in a few words

A Round Character is one who has many character traits

His character has various qualities and is complex, more like a real person

Most main characters are round

Static or Dynamic

A Static Character remains the same throughout the story

This character undergoes no change in thought or personality when involved in conflict

A Dynamic Character undergoes a change as a result of learning from conflict.

A dynamic character starts the story one way and then will have had a revelation that changes his or her views

Famous Characters

Ebenezer Scrooge Creulla Deville Jack Sparrow The seven dwarfs Frodo Your examples

Flat

Described easily

Usually minor character

Used as a simple reference to contrast the main character

Round

Usually the main character

Can be described in many ways

The many characteristics usually help create conflict and overcome it

Static

Always stays the same

When other characters change this person stays the same to make a point

Often also minor characters or used for a specific purpose

Dynamic

Usually the main character or an important character

This person’s change is usually the point of the story and comes through in the resolution

Can be a villain who is saved from disaster at the end