Round Character

Round Character is explained as, "A round character refers to a character in a fictional work with depth or a complex personality, " "a round character often has many dimensions to their personality, undergoes personal growth and has motivations behind their actions. " (Round Characters in Fiction: Definition and Examples) from Indeed.

or

"Round characters are lifelike figures with complex, multifaceted personalities. " (What Is a Round Character - Definition, Examples for Writers.) from Reedsy Blog.

therefore, from three explanations, we can understand that round character has many side, dimensions, complexities for his/her personality, and often have personal growth. 

Because of this complexisty, readers can sympathize for this character, and deeply understand about story. "This character type seems lifelike to readers because they learn many details about them, such as their history, thoughts, emotions and personality traits. As a result, the reader finds such characters more engaging because those insights allow them to relate to them or feel more invested in their journey. " (Round Characters in Fiction: Definition and Examples) indeed says.

About one type of character, we also have dynamic character. These two words looks like exchangeable, but little bit different. Dynamic character is the character who have big change or development in the end of story. Round character needs to have complex personality, but doesn't need to have big change or development. Below there are examples.

For example, in Harry Potter series, Harry Potter has complex personalities, histories and contradiction, and he develops a lot, so we can say he is round character and dynamic character. Albus Dumbledore has a lot of personalities, and contradictions. Then in one hand, he doesn't change so big in the end of the story. In this case, we can say he is a round character but not a dynamic character.

here is quote;

"You will often see the terms ‘dynamic character’ and ‘round character’ used interchangeably — though there is a distinction to be made. A dynamic character is one whose worldview is changed by the end of a story — undergoing a major shift in perspective or personality.  While a round character may be dynamic (and many of the most compelling protagonists or antagonists evolve in their values or undergo change), they might also have personalities and beliefs that remain static. "Roundness" refers to the depth and dimension of the character, and does not require change.  Albus Dumbledore, the Hogwarts headmaster from Harry Potter, is one such character. A man of many secrets and contradictions, he changes very little over the course of the series, and his attitude and worldview remain constant." (What Is a Round Character - Definition, Examples for Writers.)

If you 

Works Cited

“What Is a Round Character? Definition, Examples, and Traits.” Reedsy, 16 June 2020, blog.reedsy.com/round-character/.

Indeed Editor Team. “Round Characters in Fiction: Definition and Examples - Indeed.” Indeed, 31 July 2023, www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/round-character.

Author: Yasuhiro Takahashi