Character

•	What is the role of character in literature?
•	What is the meaning of flat vs. round character?
•	What is the role of the protagonist and antagonist in fictional works?
•	How is character disclosed in literature? What methods do writers use to help us understand their characters?

Character in Literature 

Character in literature is the verbal representation of a human being that has thoughts, speech, and behavior.  Through dialogue, action, and commentary, authors portray characters that are worth caring for, loving, rooting for, although there are also characters at whom you may laugh, or whom you may dislike or hate. 

In literature, all actions, interactions, speeches, and observations are deliberately selected and designed.  Although major events are themselves designed to be interesting, they are also shaped to give you an understanding of the characters. 

Major Character Traits 

In studying a literary character, you should determine the character's major trait or traits.  A trait is a mode of behavior or quality of mind, such as acting first and thinking later, or looking into a person's eyes or avoiding eye contact, etc. 

Often, traits are minor and therefore negligible, but sometimes a particular trait may be the primary characteristic of a person (not only in literature but also in life).  Characters may be lazy or ambitious, anxious or serene, etc.  Therefore, you can analyze and develop conclusions about character by analyzing behavior and actions. 

Appearance, Action, and Character 

When studying character, be sure to connect physical appearance with mental or psychological states. If you accept the premise that external appearance represents choice, and that choices indicate character, you can use these details. 

Examine what a character does, assuming, once again, that your characters are free to act according to their will.  You must go beyond the actions themselves and discuss what they show about the character.  Always try to get from the outside to the inside, for it is on the inside that character resides. 

Types of Characters: Round and Flat 

Round characters that recognize, change with, or adjust to circumstances--a quality that in real life is a major element in mental health.  The round character profits from experience and undergoes an alteration, which may be the realization of new strength, decision-making, etc. 

Round characters are relatively fully developed --usually heroes -- or the protagonist (center of attention), and the antagonist (against the protagonist).  Because round characters are individual, unpredictable, and undergo change and growth, they are dynamic. Round characters are central to serious literature, for they are focal points of conflict and interest.  They lead ordinary lives and such, but they grow and develop as they win or lose their struggles. 

Flat characters do not grow, no matter what the circumstances.  Flat characters are flat because they may be stupid or insensitive, or because they may lack knowledge or insight.  They end where they begin, and they are static, not dynamic. Flat characters are not worthless, however, for their inability to change may highlight the development of the round characters.  (Usually flat characters are relegated to minor positions). Sometimes flat characters are prominent in certain types of literature where the focus is less on character and more on performance, such as detective stories.  Such characters are usually lively and engaging, even though they do not develop or change--stock characters represent specific categories/classes, stereotypes--foolish boss, greedy politician, etc. 

How is Character Disclosed in Literature? 

In preparing an essay on character, consider the following four ways that authors present information about character.  However, you must use your own knowledge and experience to make judgments about the qualities--the flatness or roundness--of the characters being revealed. 

1.	What the characters themselves say and think (if the author expresses their thoughts). For example, speeches may indicate character, words may reflect emotional or intellectual states, etc. 
2.	What the characters do. "Actions speak louder than words." Do they show weakness, deceit? 
3.	What other characters say about them.  In life, and in stories, people always talk and gossip about other people.  Evaluate all the speakers and the context of their remarks.  You must determine if the speakers are honest, their words accurate, etc. 
4.	What the author says about them, speaking as a storyteller or observer.  What the author, speaking with the authorial voice, says about a character is usually accurate, and his/her voice is to be accepted factually.  When the author though interprets actions and characteristics, his role is that of a reader or critic and his analysis should be questioned. 

Reality and Probability 

You are entitled to expect characters in literature to be true to life.  That is, their actions, statements, and thoughts must all be what human beings are likely to do, say, or think under the conditions presented in the work.  This expectation is called verisimilitude, probability or plausibility. 

In other words, there are people in real life who do impossible tasks.  One should distinguish between what can possibly happen and what would frequently or usually happen.  Ask yourself the question: "Is such a character probable or improbable?"