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Connecting with Characters. What draws readers into a story?. Vivid, complex characters whose problems and triumphs draw forth our emotions and reveal some truth about humankind. [End of Section]. Main Characters. Protagonist —the main character of a story.
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Connecting with Characters What draws readers into a story? Vivid, complex characters whose problems and triumphs draw forth our emotions and reveal some truth about humankind. [End of Section]
Main Characters Protagonist—the main character of a story. • The action of the story revolves around the protagonist and the conflict he or she faces. Antagonist—the character or force the protagonist struggles against and must overcome. [End of Section]
Subordinate Characters Subordinate characters add depth and complication to the plot. Main character Friends [End of Section]
Flat Characters versus Round Characters Flat characters • have only one or two character traits that can be described in a few words • have no depth, like a piece of cardboard
Flat Characters versus Round Characters Round characters • have many different character traits that sometimes contradict each other • are much like real people, with several sides to their personality [End of Section]
For example, Scar, from The Lion King, is very much a FLAT character. He is JUST PLAIN EVIL & MEAN! There is never any point during the movie where he could logically be described any other way. He’s not complicated at all; he’s easy to predict. FLATCharacters
For example, Woody from Toy Story, is definitely a ROUND character. He’s an honest, loyal friend and a concerned leader. However, he is not perfect. There are times where his flaws show through; he makes the wrong decisions, gets jealous, and is even selfish at times. He’s a complicated guy! ROUNDCharacters
Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters Dynamic characters • change or grow as a result of the story’s actions • learn something about themselves, other people, or the world as they struggle to resolve their conflicts The changes that a dynamic character undergoes contribute to the meaning of the story.
Ebenezer Scrooge, from Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, is a classic example. When we first meet him, he is mean, bitter, and greedy. Through his experiences with the three ghosts, he becomes generous, kind, & beloved. dynamic character
Dynamic Characters versus Static Characters Static characters • do not change or grow • are the same at the end of a story as they were in the beginning Subordinate characters are often static characters. [End of Section]
Disney, as usual, is a great source for an example. Cinderella remains friendly, honorable, and positive despite being orphaned, abused, and taken advantage of by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. static character