Elements of Fiction - Characters Flashcards
broad descriptions of the different types of characters that populate human storytelling
archetypes
a character who changes over the course of the story
dynamic character
a major character who shows fluidity and the capacity for change from the moment we meet them
round character
a character that does not noticeably change over the course of a story; sometimes known as a flat character
static character
an archetypal character with a fixed set of personality traits
stock character
a character that represents a concept or theme larger than themselves. They may have dynamic qualities, but they also exist to subtly steer an audience’s mind toward broader concepts
symbolic character
the main character of the story
protagonist
the villain of the story
antagonist
the protagonist’s object of desire
love interest
This type of character is the best friend or sidekick of the protagonist.
confidant
a character that primarily exists to bring the protagonist’s qualities into sharper relief
foil
a character close to the main character, but the story’s main plot does not directly correspond with their own character arc
deuteragonist
they are characters that populate the world of the story but do not necessarily link to the main storyline
tertiary characters
the romantic lead archetype
the lover
the protagonist who rises to meet a challenge and saves the day
the hero
a powerful figure who has harnessed the ways of the universe to achieve their goals
the magician
the rebel who won’t abide by society’s demands
the outlaw
a character naturally driven to push boundaries and find what’s next
the explorer
a wise figure with knowledge for those who inquire
the sage
a morally pure character, often a child, whose only intentions are good
the innocent
a motivated visionary who creates art or structures during the narrative
the creator
a character with legal or emotional power over others
the ruler
a character who continually supports others and makes sacrifices on their behalf
the caregiver
a relatable character who feel recognizable from daily life
the everyman
