Definition of Character

In fiction, character refers to a textual representation of a human being (or occasionally another creature). Most fiction writers agree that character development is the key element in a story's creation, and in most pieces of fiction a close identification with the characters is crucial to understanding the story. The story's protagonist is the central agent in generating its plot, and this individual can embody the story's theme. Characters can be either round or flat, depending on their level of development and the extent to which they change. Mrs. Mallard, in Kate Chopin’s “The Story of an Hour,” though developed in relatively few words, is a round character because she shows complex feelings toward her husband, and her character develops when she envisions the freedom of being widowed. Authors achieve characterization with a variety of techniques: by using the narrative voice to describe the character, by showing the actions of the character and of those reacting to her, by revealing the thoughts or dialogue of the character, or by showing the thoughts and dialogue of others in relation to the character.

protagonist: A story’s main character (see also antagonist)

antagonist: The character or force in conflict with the protagonist

round character: A complex, fully developed character, often prone to change

flat character: A one-dimensional character, typically not central to the story

characterization: The process by which an author presents and develops a fictional character

Character Exercise

When a character is created in fiction, the various details provided by the author combine to create a believable representation of a person. Flat characters are typically developed in rough outline only, with such basic attributes as gender, age, and occupation or family role indicated but not much else. On the other hand, round characters are developed more fully. For instance, we may learn about their clothing preferences, skills, hopes or fears, favorite work of art or song, and relationships. Through narrative background, dialogue, transcriptions of characters’ thoughts, and characters’ actions, the author hopes to convey, in a round character, a believable “living” person.

INSTRUCTIONS

Below are lists of potential character traits. Select one from each list (or create your own) and type it into the accompanying textbox to create your character.

Age:

fifteen years old

twenty years old

twenty-five years old

thirty-five years old

fifty years old

seventy years old

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Gender:

male

female

gender fluid/non-binary

no gender

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Career:

construction worker

pilot

artist

snowboarder

computer programmer

president of a large organization

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Characteristics:

gentle, respectful, nurturing

thoughtful, quiet

attentive, intelligent, detached

caustic, mean, scornful of others

self-absorbed, vain

Question

Based on the character you've created, imagine and describe a potential conflict or story situation in which this character might be found. Explain how this character might resolve the conflict.

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Make your character more round by adding four or five additional details that seem to fit with this character. Select details that will coalesce with the conflict/situation expressed in the preceding question. Consider such aspects as personal habits, fears, desires, significant experiences, worst and best memories, relationships, strengths, weaknesses, and finances.

Question

Consider the traits you selected about and select one basic aspect to change. What is the new character trait? Would the new character still fit in the same situation suggested for the second question? Would he or she still fit the details expressed in this question? Explain why or why not, based on character traits.

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