Types Of Characters
What They Are In Literature
Introduction
Writing stories, novels, plays, and other forms of literature requires a great deal of thought and effort. One aspect of writing literature is creating characters. Without characters, stories would be lifeless. Unique characters are used to create a story’s plot and setting. Exploring the unique characters in literature allows a writer to bring their story to life.
You can break the characters down into Six categories. These categories are Protagonists, Antagonists, Foil Characters, Dynamic Characters, Flat Characters, and Minor Characters. Understanding the purpose and role of each type of character can help a writer craft an interesting narrative.
By exploring the unique characters in literature, a writer can craft an interesting narrative that will draw readers in. Each character type has a unique purpose, and understanding how they work together can help you create a powerful story. Here are just a few examples.
one | Protagonist
A protagonist is a main character in a story. Usually the protagonist is the hero of the piece and the character around whom the plot revolves. Protagonists are usually the characters that the reader or audience can relate to and root for. They are the characters that drive the story forward and keep the audience or reader engaged.
An example of a protagonist is Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is a wealthy and mysterious man with a 'grand ambition' to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
Another example of a protagonist is Scout Finch from Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout is a young girl growing up in a racially segregated southern town in the 1930s.
The purpose of having a protagonist in a story is to move the plot forward and to provide an anchor for the reader or audience so they can connect with the character and understand the story. A protagonist is usually the hero of the piece and is the character that the reader or audience sympathizes with and wants to succeed.
A protagonist can also create conflict. For example, in the novel The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby’s ambition to reunite with Daisy Buchanan creates conflict with her husband, Tom Buchanan. The conflict between Gatsby and Buchanan creates tension in the novel and keeps the reader engaged.
two | Antagonist
The antagonist is the character that stands in opposition to the protagonist. The antagonist can be a person, group, organization, or even an element of nature. This character works against the protagonist's goals and creates the conflicts in the story.
We can see the antagonist as a villain, although this is not always the case. The antagonist can also be a seemingly neutral force or an individual who is just trying to protect their own interests. It is important to remember that the antagonist is a necessary part of the story and can meaningfully develop the protagonist.
In literature, we often see the antagonist as a foil character to the protagonist. This type of character is used to highlight the traits or qualities of the protagonist by comparison. It is the antagonist's actions that create the tension and conflict that drive the story forward.
The antagonist can also create suspense or mystery. By keeping the identity of the antagonist hidden, we leave the reader guessing as to the motives of the character. This keeps the story engaging and full of tension.
We can see examples of antagonists in the works of William Shakespeare. In Hamlet, Claudius is the antagonist who works against Hamlet in his mission to avenge his father's death. In Romeo and Juliet, it is the feud between the Montagues and Capulets that serves as the antagonist.
three | Foil Characters
When exploring characters, one type that is often overlooked is the foil character. A foil character is a character who contrasts with another character. This contrast can be in terms of capabilities, personality, beliefs, or desires. This type of character is used to emphasize the qualities of the contrasting character, often the protagonist.
Foil characters can draw attention to the protagonist’s unique qualities. For example, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Frodo’s courage and selflessness stand out next to Gollum’s selfishness and cowardice. Through this contrast, the reader can more clearly see Frodo’s heroism.
Foil characters can also show the complexity of the protagonist’s character. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet’s cousin Tybalt serves as a foil to Juliet’s gentle and forgiving nature. Tybalt is a hot-headed and passionate character, which emphasizes Juliet’s level-headedness and ability to look past the hatred of her family.
Another use for foil characters is to show the protagonist’s growth. In the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip is initially a naïve and gullible character. His foil character in the novel, the convict Abel Magwitch, is a villainous and untrustworthy character. Through their interactions, Pip realizes the unfairness of the power structure in his society and matures.
Foil characters can also show the flaws and weaknesses of the protagonist. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch’s moral standards are put to the test by the prejudiced and bigoted Bob Ewell. Through this contrast, the reader can see how Atticus is sometimes too idealistic and faces the harsh reality of his society.
four | Dynamic Characters
Dynamic characters are those characters which undergo some sort of internal change during a story. This type of character grows and develops throughout the narrative, often because of the conflicts and struggles they face. Dynamic characters often start off as someone naïve or in an ignorant state, and grow into characters who are wiser and better-equipped to deal with the situations at hand.
Dynamic characters typically have flaws that cause them to make mistakes or cause them to struggle in the face of difficult circumstances. However, these characters are often relatable and understandable to readers as they experience similar struggles in their own lives. A dynamic character can act as a vehicle to move the story forward and serve as a source of tension.
In literature, some of the most memorable characters are dynamic characters because of their capacity for change. We can find examples of dynamic characters from classics such as Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, to modern works such as Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games.
Jay Gatsby is a perfect example of a dynamic character. He is a self-made man from humble beginnings, and is driven by his obsession with Daisy Buchanan to reclaim the past and his lost love. Through his journey, he learns from his mistakes and experiences as he attempts to win back Daisy's love.
Katniss Everdeen is another example of a dynamic character. She starts off as a naïve and innocent teenager, but as the story progresses, she is forced to confront the harsh realities of her world and take a stand against the oppressive government. She learns to become a leader and a symbol of hope and strength for her people.
The purpose of exploring dynamic characters is to illustrate the concept of character growth and development, which is essential for a good story. Dynamic characters give readers something to relate to and sympathize with, which makes them more invested in the story. They also create tension and suspense in a story, as readers are uncertain of what the outcome will be for the character.
five | Flat Characters
Flat characters are an essential part of literature because of their simplistic nature and often straightforward characterization. We define them as one-dimensional and unchanging. Flat characters have few personality traits, mainly used as a foil for other characters to contrast against.
Flat characters typically have a single purpose in the story and are often used to propel the plot or provide a sense of familiarity to the reader. They are often best remembered by a single characteristic that is a defining feature of their personality, such as a catchphrase or eccentric clothing style.
Examples of flat characters include the character of Aunt Polly in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Aunt Polly is a strict and overbearing figure in Tom’s life, but she also serves as a source of love. Her one-dimensional characterization creates an easy to define and understand role for her in the story.
The character of Heathcliff in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is another example of a flat character. Though he is a complex character, Heathcliff is the embodiment of evil and his defining characteristic is his cold and vengeful nature. His defining features make him a memorable and recognizable character to readers.
Flat characters can provide a sense of familiarity and consistency to the narrative. By using a flat character, the author creates a recognizable character who readers can become acquainted with and follow throughout the story.
Flat characters can provide a superficial view of a particular situation. By using a one-dimensional character, the author can create a character who does not contemplate the effects of their actions, allowing the reader to observe the consequences from a distance and form an opinion on the matter.
six | Minor Characters
Minor characters are essential components of any significant story, often playing a role in propelling the story forward and aiding the protagonist in their journey. A minor character is any character who isn’t a protagonist or an antagonist. They may not have a major role in the story, but they help to further the plot and provide knowledge to the protagonist. They bring a fresh perspective to the story and can show relationships between characters, provide comic relief, or provide insight into the protagonist's character development.
There are many types of minor characters. These characters often have specific roles and characteristics that set them apart from the main characters.
One type of minor character is the confidant. Confidants are characters who provide comfort and advice to the protagonist, allowing the protagonist to express their inner thoughts and feelings. They provide a listening ear and help the protagonist work through their struggles. Many times, confidants are also mentors to the protagonist, such as in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, where Dumbledore acts as a mentor to Harry throughout the books.
Another type of minor character is the sidekick. Sidekicks are often comedic characters who provide comic relief and help the protagonist in their journey. They are often loyal and brave, and they provide much needed support to the protagonist when they are in need. An example of a sidekick is John Watson, in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories.
Minor characters can be foils to the protagonist, such as the wise fool. This type of character provides the protagonist with sage advice and often helps them reach their goals. An example of a wise fool is Brer Rabbit in Joel Chandler Harris' Uncle Remus stories.
The mentor is another type of minor character who often advises the protagonist. This type of character often has more experience than the protagonist and can provide guidance that helps the protagonist reach their goals. An example of a mentor is Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series.
The minor character can provide a superficial view of a particular situation. These characters are often used to create a contrast between the protagonist and antagonist and to show the differences between the two different societies. An example of this type of minor character is the beggar in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Conclusion
When creating a story, one of the most important elements is the characters. Unique characters can add depth, intrigue, and complexity to a narrative. Understanding the various characters is crucial for any writer, as each type of character will bring something different to the story.
The protagonist is the main character in a story. They are often the hero, but can also be a villain. Protagonists drive the story forward, and the story revolves around them. An antagonist is a character who opposes the protagonist. They create conflict and challenge the protagonist. Foil characters are used to compare and contrast with the protagonist, and can provide insight into the protagonist’s motivations and actions. Dynamic characters are characters that grow and learn throughout the story. They start off as one character and grow into another. Flat characters are those that stay the same throughout the story. They provide a superficial view of a particular situation. Minor characters are characters that help to further the story. They may not be in the story for long, but they still have an important role to play.
Each type of character has its own purpose and can contribute to a story in its own way. A well-rounded cast of characters can be the difference between an engaging story and one that is forgettable.
Get Notified When New Articles are Released
