Character

Question 1

Character

Answer 1

A person depicted in a narrative. While this term generally refers to human beings, it can also include animals or inanimate objects that are given human characteristics.

Question 2

Protagonist

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Antagonist

Answer 3

A character in a story or play who opposes the protagonist; while not necessarily an enemy, the antagonist creates or intensifies a conflict for the protagonist. An evil antagonist is a villain.

Question 4

Coming-of-age story or bildungsroman

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Foil

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Epiphany

Answer 6

An “AHA” moment. As a literary device, epiphany is the moment when a character is suddenly struck with a life. Changing realization which changes the rest of the story.

Question 7

Round characters

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Flat characters

Answer 8

A person depicted in a narrative. While this term generally refers to human beings, it can also include animals or inanimate objects that are given human characteristics.

Question 9

Stock characters

Answer 9

Type of flat character based on a stereotype; one who falls into an immediately recognizable category or type- such as the absentminded professor or the town drunk. Can be artfully used for humor or satire.

Question 10

Direct characterization

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Indirect characterization