CHARACTER

At the end of the lesson, the learner is expected to:

Define and classify different types of characters commonly found in the literature.
Apply their understanding of character types by creating character sketches or profiles; that demonstrate knowledge of character development techniques and archetypal qualities.
Compare and contrast characters within and across texts, considering how different authors utilize character types to achieve different narrative effects and convey thematic messages.

DISCUSSION

CHARACTER

A character is a person, animal, being, creature, or thing in a story. Writers use characters to perform the actions and speak dialogue, moving the story along a plot line. A story can have only one character (protagonist) and still be a complete story.

TYPES OF CHARACTER

MAJOR CHARACTER

These characters are pivotal to the story, with two distinct types, each potentially represented by multiple individuals.

PROTAGONIST

This is the main character, around which the whole story revolves. The decisions made by this character will be affected by a conflict from within, or externally through another character, nature, technology, society, or the fates/God.

ANTAGONIST

This character, or group of characters, causes the conflict for the protagonist. However, the antagonist could be the protagonist, who is torn by a problem within. Most times, something external is causing the problem. A group of people causing the conflict would be considered society, perhaps the members of a team, community, or institution. Additionally, the antagonist could be a part of nature, such as an animal, the weather, a mountain or lake.

MINOR CHARACTER

These are the other characters in a story. They are not as important as the major characters, but still play a large part in the story. Their actions help drive the story forward. They may impact the decisions the protagonist or antagonist makes, either helping or interfering with the conflict.

ROUND

These are the opposite of the flat character. These characters have many different traits, good and bad, making them more interesting.

FLAT

A flat character has one or two main traits, usually only all positive or negative. They are the opposite of a round character. The flaw or strength has its use in the story.

STATIC

Characters who are static do not change throughout the story. Their use may simply be to create or relieve tension, or they were not meant to change. A major character can remain static through the whole story.

DYNAMIC

Dynamic characters change throughout the story. They may learn a lesson, become bad, or change in complex ways.

IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER

characters are the heartbeat of any story. They drive the plot forward, connect readers emotionally to the narrative, and serve as vehicles for exploring themes and ideas. Through their development, relatability, and interactions, characters breathe life into the story, making it memorable and impactful. In essence, without well-crafted characters, stories would lack depth, resonance, and the ability to captivate audiences. Thus, characters play a vital role in literature, enriching the storytelling experience and leaving a lasting impression on readers.

SHORT VIDEO DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CHARACTER

WHAT IS CHARACTER?

TYPES

REFERENCE/S

Forster, E.M. (1927). "Aspects of the Novel." Accessed from Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5783

Writer, L. (2017, September 4). Character: Definitions and Examples | LiteraryTerms.net. Literary Terms. https://literaryterms.net/character/

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