Character Types Flashcards
Protagonist
Main Character around whom the story revolves
Involved in the main conflict
Antagonist
The character who is involved in the main conflict with the protagonist
Can be a character, weather, society, fate, etc..
Hero
They evoke sympathy from the reader and we cheer for them
Typically the protagonist
They triumph, but only after numerous setbacks.
Brave, Courageous, Determined, Resilient, helpful, selfless, honest
Antihero
A main character that’s not typical. Sometimes not likable
Flawed or have imperfections
Selfish, Fearful, Racist
Foil
Exist to bring the protagonist’s qualities into sharper relief.
Values are opposite to the protagonist
Ex. Draco Malfoy is a foil to Harry Potter
Sidekick (Deuteragonist)
Characters often overlap with confidants
Secondary characters who are close to the protagonist
The story’s main plot does not directly correspond with them.
Confidant
Often best friends of the protagonist.
Could be a love interest or mentor
The protagonist shares they thoughts and emotions with this person.
Can be the person the protagonist turns to, either because they want to or because they have no other choice.
Archetype (Trope)
A typical character that represents specific actions, nuances and characteristics.
They have well-known qualities that shape the narrative or story.
caregiver, creator, explorer, hero, innocent, jester, lover, magician, orphan, rebel, ruler, the sage
Main Character (Primary)
Can change perception and experience epiphanies (usually at the climax) and sometimes narrate the story. The writer builds the story around a primary character.
Supporting Character (Secondary)
Less developed than the main character, don’t experience change, and don’t experience epiphanies.
Round Character (Realistic)
Act, react, express emotions, are motivates to achieve a purpose or goal, and are realistic.
The writer explores in depth the background appearance, personality, motives, and actions of a round character.
Flat Character (Stereotype)
Stock characters or stereotypes who don’t experience emotion, don’t react, or take action.
The writer doesn’t spend a great deal of time describing them in the story
Static Character (Unchanging)
Doesn’t change as the story progresses.
They maintain one perception, belief or viewpoint throughout the story.
They are often static and flat
Dynamic Character (Changin)
Protagonist is a dynamic character who will experience a lasting change in perception, change in behaviour, or experience an epiphany by the time the story ends.
They are usually round and primary
Direct Characterization
Occurs when the writer simply tells the reader what a character is like using the narrator of the story.
