Analyzing Fiction Character Terms

Question 1

Protagonist

Answer 1

A main character in a work, often a hero or heroine, but not always.

Question 2

Antagonist

Answer 2

A character who is not necessarily an enemy but who creates or intensifies a conflict for the protagonist. Opposes the protagonist.

Question 3

bildungsroman

Answer 3

A novel that explores the maturation of the protagonist, usually moving the main character from childhood into adulthood.

Question 4

epiphany

Answer 4

Aha moment

Question 5

Flat character

Answer 5

a character embodying only one or two traits and who lacks character development. Also called a static character - only provide background or adequate motivation for a protagonist’s actions.

Question 6

Round character

Answer 6

A character who exhibits a range of emotions and who evolves over the course of the story.

Question 7

Foil

Answer 7

A contrasting character who allows the protagonist to stand out more distinctly.

Question 8

Stock characters

Answer 8

A type of flat character based on a stereotype; one who falls into an immediately recognizable category or type- suck a the absent minded professor or the town drunk.

Question 9

Characterization

Answer 9

The method by which the author builds or reveals, a character; it can be direct or indirect.

Question 10

Indirect characterization

Answer 10

An author shows rather than tells us what a character is like through what the character says, does, or thinks, or through what other say about the character.

Question 11

Direct characterization

Answer 11

A narrator tells the reader who a character is by describing the background, motivation, temperament, or appearance of a character.