Character Analysis: Protagonist, Antagonist, Dynamic, Static, Round, Flat, Slides of Reasoning

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Character Types

ELEMENTS OF FICTION

Overview A character can either be… Protagonist or Antagonist Dynamic or Static Round or Flat We will examine each of these terms.

Antagonist The character, group of characters, or institution that opposes the protagonist. Example The Wolf from "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" Cinderella's wicked stepmother from "Cinderella" The antagonist is usually considered to be unlikeable or evil, but this is not always the case. The antagonist only needs to oppose the central character(s).

Dynamic Character A character who undergoes a significant inner change Example At the beginning of the story, Jason has low self- esteem and no friends. He is very depressed. Then he tries out for the baseball team and gradually develops skills and confidence. By the end of the story he has completely changed. He now has many friends and is much happier. Notice that Jason didn't just change his clothes or something minor? He underwent a major change in the course of the story; therefore, he is a dynamic character.

Round Character A well-developed, lifelike character that demonstrates multiple sides, traits, and emotions. Example Ernie doesn't want to cheat on the test, but his Dad will punish him severely if he fails. Ernie knows that cheating is wrong, but he thinks it may be a wrong that he's willing to live with. After all, he'd rather have his conscience beating him up than his dad. Ernie considers studying for the test instead. There isn't much time, but he has pulled off some feats of concentration in the past. Ernie demonstrates multiple, realistic sides to his personality. This makes him a round character.

Flat Character A one-dimensional character that does not display emotional depth and has a single set of traits. Example Ricardo had an evil plan. First, he would rob the bank to get money. Then he would buy weapons and raise and army. Then he would kidnap the princess and tie her to some train tracks. Lastly, he would twist the ends of his long mustache between his thumb and forefinger while laughing. Ricardo is a villain with little depth. We know that he is evil, but we do not learn why. No internal struggle with his morality is revealed; therefore, he is a flat character.

Practice

READ EACH SHORT STORY, ANALYZE THE CHARACTERS,

AND THEN ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.

When Vince got to the party, he was a little bit worried that he couldn't find his friends. Vince wasn't really an awkward person, but he found it a bit awkward to stand around at a party with a bunch of people he hardly knew. Then he bumped into one of the football players, Greg. Greg was a big guy with red hair and he always gave Vince problems. "Hey, Vince? Want a beer?" Vince looked down at his soda. "No thanks, Greg. I've got to drive." Greg walked closer to Vince and puffed out his chest. "C'mon Prince Vince, you're going to turn me down?" Vince didn't have anything against drinking, even though he wasn't of the legal age, but his cousin had died in an alcohol related car accident, and he wouldn't make the same mistake. ”I’m going to have to. Not tonight, Greg," Vince said as he walked passed Greg, noticing that some of his friends had arrived. Greg crushed a beer can in his hand and grunted.

ANSWER ANTAGONIST: GREG PROTAGONIST: VINCE

IS GREG A DYNAMIC CHARACTER OR A STATIC

CHARACTER?

IS VINCE A DYNAMIC CHARACTER OR A STATIC

CHARACTER?

Answer Vince is a static character because he does not make any significant changes in the course of the story.

Answer Greg is a flat character because he appears as a single-sided bully who shows little depth.

5 Is Vince a round character or a flat character?