Elements of Fiction - Characters

Question 1

broad descriptions of the different types of characters that populate human storytelling

Answer 1

archetypes

Question 2

a character who changes over the course of the story

Answer 2

dynamic character

Question 3

a major character who shows fluidity and the capacity for change from the moment we meet them

Answer 3

round character

Question 4

a character that does not noticeably change over the course of a story; sometimes known as a flat character

Answer 4

static character

Question 5

an archetypal character with a fixed set of personality traits

Answer 5

stock character

Question 6

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

Answer 6

symbolic character

Question 7

the main character of the story

Answer 7

protagonist

Question 8

the villain of the story

Answer 8

antagonist

Question 9

the protagonist’s object of desire

Answer 9

love interest

Question 10

This type of character is the best friend or sidekick of the protagonist.

Answer 10

confidant

Question 11

a character that primarily exists to bring the protagonist’s qualities into sharper relief

Answer 11

foil

Question 12

a character close to the main character, but the story’s main plot does not directly correspond with their own character arc

Answer 12

deuteragonist

Question 13

they are characters that populate the world of the story but do not necessarily link to the main storyline

Answer 13

tertiary characters

Question 14

the romantic lead archetype

Answer 14

the lover

Question 15

the protagonist who rises to meet a challenge and saves the day

Answer 15

the hero

Question 16

a powerful figure who has harnessed the ways of the universe to achieve their goals

Answer 16

the magician

Question 17

the rebel who won’t abide by society’s demands

Answer 17

the outlaw

Question 18

a character naturally driven to push boundaries and find what’s next

Answer 18

the explorer

Question 19

a wise figure with knowledge for those who inquire

Answer 19

the sage

Question 20

a morally pure character, often a child, whose only intentions are good

Answer 20

the innocent

Question 21

a motivated visionary who creates art or structures during the narrative

Answer 21

the creator

Question 22

a character with legal or emotional power over others

Answer 22

the ruler

Question 23

a character who continually supports others and makes sacrifices on their behalf

Answer 23

the caregiver

Question 24

a relatable character who feel recognizable from daily life

Answer 24

the everyman

Question 25

an intentionally funny character who provides comic relief but may also speak important truths

Answer 25

the jester