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Character Types in Literature Explained

This document discusses different types of characters and characterization in literature. It defines dynamic, flat, foil, round, and static characters. It also explains direct and indirect characterization. Direct characterization tells the reader about a character, while indirect characterization shows the character through their actions, words, and interactions. The document provides an example of characterization in The Great Gatsby, noting how Fitzgerald uses social status, locations, and occupations to characterize different protagonists. Finally, it discusses the function of characterization in helping readers understand and relate to characters and events in a story.

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143 views4 pages

Character Types in Literature Explained

This document discusses different types of characters and characterization in literature. It defines dynamic, flat, foil, round, and static characters. It also explains direct and indirect characterization. Direct characterization tells the reader about a character, while indirect characterization shows the character through their actions, words, and interactions. The document provides an example of characterization in The Great Gatsby, noting how Fitzgerald uses social status, locations, and occupations to characterize different protagonists. Finally, it discusses the function of characterization in helping readers understand and relate to characters and events in a story.

Uploaded by

UnknownKid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Summary of Content

Types of Characters (Taken from: [Link]


Dynamic Character - a character which changes during the course of a story or novel. The
change in outlook or character is permanent. Sometimes a dynamic character is called a
developing character. 
Flat Character - a character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or
novel, and the trait(s) do not change.
Foil - a character that is used to enhance another character through contrast. Cinderella’s grace
and beauty as opposed to her nasty, self-centered stepsisters is one clear illustration of a foil
many may recall from childhood.
Round Character - a well-developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes
contradictory traits. Round characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the course
of a story).
Static Character – a character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or novel.
Events in the story do not alter a static character’s outlook, personality, motivation, perception,
habits, etc.
Stock Character - a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers.
Possible examples include the “ruthless businessman”, “shushing old librarian” or “dumb jock.”
They are not the focus nor developed in the story.
Although the character types are listed separately, characters may be (and often are) a
combination. A foil, for example, could also be a round, flat, or even a stock character. While
most protagonists in novels are dynamic (change over the course of the novel) and round, they
don’t have to be, especially if the novel is plot driven as opposed to character driven. It’s not
unheard of for a short story to feature a static protagonist.
Some character types are, by definition, opposite and cannot be considered. For example, one
cannot have a character that is both flat and round, or a character that is both static and dynamic

Characterization Definition
Characterization is a literary device that is used step-by-step in literature to highlight and explain
the details about a character in a story. It is in the initial stage in which the writer introduces the
character with noticeable emergence. After introducing the character, the writer often talks about
his behavior; then, as the story progresses, the thought-processes of the character.
The next stage involves the character expressing his opinions and ideas, and getting into
conversations with the rest of the characters. The final part shows how others in the story
respond to the character’s personality.
Characterization as a literary tool was coined in the mid 15th century. Aristotle in his Poetics
argued that “tragedy is a representation, not of men, but of action and life.” Thus the assertion of
the dominance of plot over characters, termed “plot-driven narrative,” is unmistakable. This
point of view was later abandoned by many because, in the 19th century, the dominance of
character over plot became clear through petty bourgeois novels.

Types of Characterization
An author can use two approaches to deliver information about a character and build an image of
it. These two types of characterization include:

Direct or explicit characterization


This kind of characterization takes a direct approach towards building the character. It uses
another character, narrator, or the protagonist himself to tell the readers or audience about the
subject.

Indirect or implicit characterization


This is a more subtle way of introducing the character to the audience. The audience has to
deduce for themselves the characteristics of the character by observing his/her thought process,
behavior, speech, way of talking, appearance, and manner of communication with other
characters, as well as by discerning the response of other characters.

Examples of Characterization in Literature


Example #1: The Great Gatsby (By F. Scott Fitzgerald)
There are many examples of characterization in literature. The Great Gatsby, is probably the
best. In this particular book, the main idea revolves around the social status of each character.
The major character of the book, Mr. Gatsby, is perceptibly rich, but he does not belong to the
upper stratum of society. This means that he cannot have Daisy. Tom is essentially defined by his
wealth and the abusive nature that he portrays every now and then, while Daisy is explained by
Gatsby as having a voice “full of money.”

Another technique to highlight the qualities of a character is to put them in certain areas that are
symbolic of a social status. In the novel, Gatsby resides in the West Egg, which is considered less
trendy than East Egg, where Daisy lives. This difference points out the gap between Jay’s and
Daisy’s social statuses. Moreover, you might also notice that Tom, Jordan, and Daisy live in East
Egg while Gatsby and Nick reside in West Egg, which again highlights the difference in their
financial background. This division is reinforced at the end of the novel when Nick supports
Gatsby against the rest of the folk.

Occupations have also been used very tactfully in the novel to highlight characteristics of certain
protagonists. The prime example is Gatsby who, despite being so rich, is known by his
profession: bootlegging. He had an illegal job that earned him a fortune, but failed to get him
into the upper class of New York society. In contrast, Nick has a clean and fair job of a “bond
man” that defines his character. The poor guy Wilson, who fixes rich people’s cars, befriends his
wife; and then there is Jordon, who is presented as a dishonest golf pro.

Function of Characterization
Characterization is an essential component in writing good literature. Modern fiction, in
particular, has taken great advantage of this literary device. Understanding the role of
characterization in storytelling is very important for any writer. To put it briefly, it helps us make
sense of the behavior of any character in a story by helping us understand their thought
processes. A good use of characterization always leads the readers or audience to relate better to
the events taking place in the story. Dialogues play a very important role in developing a
character, because they give us an opportunity to examine the motivations and actions of the
characters more deeply.
[Link]

Direct vs. Indirect Characterization


Direct characterization is when the narrator tells the reader something about a character. Indirect
characterization is when the narrator shows the reader something about the character through the
character’s actions, things the character says, or things other characters say.

Characters
Tommy is the protagonist in the novel. During the trials/ contests to become young warriors he
won the most of the tests. He is selfless and honest. Tommy has the trust of his friends and
displays that he is moral in his assessment of Charlie’s wrongs but also a kind hearted person as
fought his other instincts to tell on Charlie because he realized the strong repercussions this
would have on him.
Johnny is a brave and selfless individual who instead of keeping his knowledge selfishly he
shares with Tommy. Johnny is very attuned to his surroundings and his highly perceptive.
Uriah is a straight forward person
David is an avid story teller he is kind hearted and is close friends with Uriah
Charlie is jealous, dishonest and lacks the sense of pride which a typical maroon male would
have. He displays a desire to lead while not being as capable of some of the others and is initially
perceived as a bully who uses his age and larger size to intimidate the other young warriors.
Tommy’s Father is a caring parent who taught his son the practical and ethical requirements of
being a maroon warrior. He is one of the best archers in the village.
Tommy’s mother is an insightful character she represents the femininity and motherly nature
which a lot of the novel lacks as it primarily focuses on the masculine requirements of being a
maroon.
Chief Phillip is the Chief of Mountain Top and wearer of the golden bracelet. Chief Phillip is
described in the novel as being “He was a tall, black, very handsome man. He wore a sleeveless
shirt and close fitting trousers that reached down to his ankles. His arms were muscular and
around his wrist was a narrow band of gold. He carried a musket in his right hand and a
powder-horn slung over his shoulder.”

The villagers of Mountain Top are very culturally aware they are people who enjoy the
freedoms of being maroons and are often spreading tales of the feats of the maroons and of
Anancy through the oral tradition of storytelling.

Common questions

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The setting in 'The Great Gatsby' deeply influences the theme of aspiration and social class through the contrasting locations of West Egg and East Egg. These physical divisions symbolize the entrenched class differences and barriers that characters like Gatsby aspire to overcome. This setting underscores the futility and illusions wrapped in the American Dream, as Gatsby's success and ostentation fail to secure genuine acceptance into the elite East Egg society, emphasizing the rigidity of social stratification .

Indirect characterization challenges readers by requiring them to infer character traits based on actions, dialogue, and responses from others rather than explicit description. This process demands greater engagement and critical thinking as readers piece together clues to build a complete picture, encouraging personal interpretation but also increasing the risk of misunderstanding the author's intent .

Dialogue is effective for developing character personality through interactions with others, revealing social dynamics, and illustrating immediate emotional responses. It helps delineate relationships and conflict. Internal monologue, however, offers deeper introspection by revealing a character's thoughts, hidden motivations, and personal struggles, providing a direct channel to their inner world. Depending on the narrative needs, one may be more effective than the other; combining both can provide a comprehensive character insight .

An author may choose a static protagonist in a plot-driven story to emphasize the external events and actions over character development. Since the narrative focuses on unfolding events and conflicts, a static character allows the plot to take center stage without the distraction of significant character evolution, thus maintaining the story’s momentum and allowing the plot to drive reader engagement .

Dynamic characters are often more compelling in character-driven narratives because their growth and development provide an arc that mirrors real human experiences, engaging the reader’s empathy and interest. This evolution allows for a more intricate plot with emotional highs and lows, as readers invest in the character's journey and transformation, which in turn enriches the narrative .

Direct characterization presents a character's traits explicitly, making the perception more straightforward and influenced by the author's narrative voice. This can lead to a clearer but sometimes less nuanced understanding. Indirect characterization, on the other hand, requires readers to infer traits from actions, dialogue, and interactions, thereby engaging them more deeply in the narrative. This method allows for a more personal interpretation but can lead to varying perceptions among readers .

A stock character can be effective in storytelling by providing recognizable traits that quickly convey certain ideas or stereotypes, allowing the author to focus more on plot development without spending time on character depth. These characters can serve as functional narrative devices that support or contrast with more complex characters, often reinforcing themes or adding humor, familiarity, or satire to the story .

Round characters, being complex and multi-dimensional, contribute to narrative depth by exhibiting growth and relatability through their varied traits and developments. This complexity often resonates with the reader, making the narrative more engaging. Flat characters, though less complex, can add clarity and focus by embodying specific traits that serve to highlight or contrast with the complexities of round characters, thus enriching the story's thematic exploration .

In 'The Great Gatsby', the setting plays a critical role in characterization by symbolizing societal divisions. Gatsby's residence in West Egg, as opposed to the more fashionable East Egg where Daisy lives, highlights his outsider status and the social gap between him and the characters like Tom and Daisy. This geographical distinction underscores Gatsby's struggle to transcend his origins and attain the social stature he desires, further defining his character’s motivations and limitations .

A 'foil' enhances character development by providing contrast that highlights specific traits of another character. This comparison can bring out subtle differences or similarities that deepen the reader's understanding of the characters involved. For example, Cinderella’s grace is accentuated by her stepsisters’ harshness, which not only enhances her character’s characteristics but also underscores themes of virtue versus vice in the story .

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