6.2.2. Characters

Integral to the plot are the characters, the individuals (or sometimes anthropomorphic entities) who populate the story and are the agents of its actions. Characterization refers to the comprehensive process through which an author reveals and develops a character's personality, motivations, and moral qualities. This can be achieved through direct characterization, where the narrator explicitly states or describes a character's traits (e.g., "She was exceedingly kind and resolute"). More subtly, and often more powerfully, authors employ indirect characterization, where the reader infers a character's personality through their words (dialogue), actions, internal thoughts and feelings, physical appearance, and the reactions or opinions of other characters.

Characterization is the method by which writers develop characters in a story. There are two main types: direct characterization, where the author straightforwardly tells us about a character's traits, and indirect characterization, where we learn about a character through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and how other characters perceive them. Direct characterization is like reading a label on a product that tells you what it is, while indirect characterization is like observing the product in use to understand its features and qualities.

Think of a friend you know well. If I asked you to describe them, you might say, "They are adventurous and fun. They love rock climbing and travel a lot." That’s direct characterization. But if I told you how they recently scaled a challenging mountain and led a group on a thrilling expedition, or if you overheard them encouraging others to try a new outdoor activity, you would understand their adventurous nature through their actions and words. That’s indirect characterization.

Characters themselves can be broadly classified by their complexity and their capacity for change. A flat character is typically uncomplicated, possessing only one or two dominant personality traits, and generally does not undergo significant internal transformation throughout the story; they often serve a specific function within the narrative. In stark contrast, a round character is multifaceted and complex, exhibiting a range of traits, motivations, and sometimes even contradictions, mirroring the intricate nature of real individuals.

Characters in stories can be categorized based on their depth and development. Flat characters are simple and typically only show a couple of traits. They don’t change much throughout the story and are often used to move the plot forward or serve a specific purpose. Round characters, on the other hand, are more layered and complex. They show different sides of their personalities and may evolve throughout the story, making them feel more real and relatable.

Imagine a cartoon character, like a superhero who always saves the day with a single ability; that’s a flat character—they don’t change much from episode to episode. Now think about a character from a drama series, who might face a variety of challenges, evolve in their relationships, and exhibit a range of emotions. That character is round—they grow and adapt, making their journey more engaging and believable.

Furthermore, characters are categorized by their development over the course of the narrative: a static character remains essentially unchanged in their fundamental beliefs or personality from the beginning to the end of the story, serving as a stable reference point. Conversely, a dynamic character undergoes a significant internal change, a profound development in their understanding, values, or personality, as a direct consequence of the story's events and conflicts.

Characters can also be classified as static or dynamic based on whether they change throughout the story. Static characters do not change; their fundamental beliefs or personalities are stable and unaffected by the events of the narrative. Dynamic characters, however, experience significant growth or transformation due to the conflicts they encounter, leading to a change in their understanding or values.

Think about a school setting: a static character might be that one student who always sticks to their routine and never tries anything new, like joining a club. They remain the same throughout the year. A dynamic character could be a student who starts shy and reserved but, through experiences and interactions in various clubs, grows more confident and becomes a leader. Their journey reflects how experiences can lead to personal growth.

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