Common Types of Character in Literature

Original Alphabetical: Confidante Someone in whom the central character confides, thus revealing the main character's personality, thoughts, and intentions. The confidante does not need to be a person.

Dynamic Character: A character who changes during the course of a story or novel. The change in outlook or character is permanent. Sometimes a dynamic character is called a developing character.

Flat Character: A character who reveals only one, maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait(s) do not change.

Foil Character: A character that is used to enhance another character through contrast. Cinderella's grace and beauty as opposed to her nasty, self-centered stepsisters is one clear illustration of a foil many may recall from childhood.

Round Character: A well developed character who demonstrates varied and sometimes contradictory traits. Round characters are usually dynamic (change in some way over the course of a story).

Static Character: A character that remains primarily the same throughout a story or novel. Events in the story do not alter a static character's outlook, personality, motivation, perception, habits, etc.

Stock Character: A special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers. Possible examples include the "geek with the pen protector," "silly blond," or "book worm." These characters definitely fit the mold of a stereotypical character. They are not the focus nor developed in the story.

Protagonist: The good character in the story...often times the victim or the nice guy/girl/animal/character.

Antagonist: A character who antagonizes the other characters..he/she is not nice at all.