CHARACTERS

By Raquel Pastrana
Definition

It can be defined as any person, animal, or figure represented

in a literary work. There are many types of characters that
exist in literature, each with its own development and
function.
Character Development

It refers to how developed and complex a character is. Some characters

start out as highly developed. For example, if we know something about
how a character walks and talks, what he/she thinks, etc. Other characters
develop over the course of a story, starting out one way and ending up
different, becoming changed by what happens to them.
Examples

Highly developed character Character developed through

the story
Types
 Protagonist
This is the main character,
around which the whole story
revolves.
Major characters:
the most important
characters in the story Antagonist 
This character causes the conflict for
the protagonist. However,
the antagonist could be the
protagonist, who is torn by a
problem within.
 Minor characters:
They are not as important as the major
characters, but still play a large part in
the story. They may impact the
decisions the protagonist or antagonist
make, either helping or interfering with
the conflict.
Traits
 Characters can have different traits. Major characters will usually be
more dynamic, changing and growing through the story while minor
characters may be more static.

Foil 
Static  Flat
it has opposite
do not change A flat character Round Stock
character traits
throughout the has one or two These are the These are the
from another, Dynamic
story. They are main traits, opposite of the stereotypical
meant to help change
used to create or usually only all flat character. characters, such
highlight or throughout the
relieve tension, positive or These as the boy
bring out story. They may
or they were not negative. They characters have genius,
another’s learn a lesson,
meant to are the opposite many different ambitious
positive or become bad, or
change. A major of a round traits, good and career person,
negative side. change in
character can character. The bad, making faithful
Many times, the complex ways.
remain static flaw or strength them more sidekick, mad
antagonist is the
through the has its use in interesting. scientist, etc.
foil for the
whole story. the story.
protagonist.
Archetypes

A standard type of character that appears in many cultural traditions,

such as the villain, the hero, the damsel-in-distress, or the good
mother.

Each archetype has more categories within, as well. For example,

the villain could be a tyrant, devil, schemer, etc. The hero could be
the warrior, proto female, scapegoat, etc. These are especially
common in fairy and folk tales.
Names
Sometimes, the name of the character can tell us about features of their personality
or physical appeareance, and with time they become synonyms od those attributions.

Sancho Panza Don Juan Tenorio

Interpretations
As symbol

Triumphant capitalism
As representation

“Bigger Thomas” as a
representation of a black
boy in 1930
 As historical
reference

”Adenoyd Hykel” as a
reference of Adolf
Hittler in the movie
“the Great Dictator”
 Characters are what make stories. Without a
character, there is no story to tell, only a lot of
scenery. They have a huge impact on people. Some
people like to live their lives through these

Importance characters, who appear to have more exciting

lives.  Also, these characters may seem so real and
inspirational, that people forget they are fictional.