the relationship between character and plot mentioned above, the more general distinction between narratives that concentrate on character and those in which action and plot predominate, is still very much with us.
Other classifications of characters
may be also divided into other of several types:
Point-of-view lt; # justify gt; Terry W. Ervin and his classification
writers employ a variety of characters while weaving their tales. Beyond the standard definitions of protagonist (the main character in a literary work) and antagonist (the main character or force that opposes the protagonist in a literary work), recognizing the types of characters and the parts they play while reading an interesting story can add to the experience. In addition, a fuller understanding of the character types and their uses can increase a writer s effectiveness in weaving his own fictional tales.is a list of common character types, followed by an explanation and short example.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 .: In a story, Melvin Sanders is a detective on the trail of a serial killer. He travels with his pet dog, a pug named Chops. Instead of listening to the radio, Melvin talks to Chops, telling him his theories about the serial killer and his concern he may never discover the killer s identity.this example Chops is a confidante.Character - a character which 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 .: Ebenezer Scrooge, in A Christmas Carol by Dickens, was very stingy with his money. He worked his employees very very hard for little pay. After his experiences with the ghosts that visited him, he changed his ways, paying his employees a more than fair wage, providing days off work and actually giving gifts.this example Ebenezer Scrooge is a dynamic character.Character - a character who reveals only one , maybe two, personality traits in a story or novel, and the trait (s) do not change .: In a story about a friendly teacher named Sandra Smith, Louis Drud is a janitor in her building. Louis is always tired and grumpy whenever Sandra runs across him and says hello.this example Louis Drud is a flat 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 .: The main character in a story, a teenager named Sally, is a very honest person. She always tries to tell the truth and consider everyone s feelings. The teacher assigns Betty to be Sally s science lab partner. Betty enjoys gossip and likes to see people s reactions, especially if it involves hurt or embarrassment.this example Betty is a foil.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) .: A character in a story named Elaine never cuts anybody a break. She tells her friends and coworkers that charity and compassion have no place in society. On the other hand, Elaine can never pass up feeding a stray kitten or puppy, and always tries to find a good home for lost or abandoned pets.this example Elaine is a round character.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 .: Bert, a bumbling salesman, never takes the time to organize his files, properly record his sales, or follow up with customers. Finally, his boss gets fed up and fires him. Bert struggles for two months to find a new sales position. During that time, his car is repossessed for nonpayment and he maxes out his credit cards. Bert finally finds a new sales position but, before a week passes, he is called into a conference with his new boss. Bert is informed he must get organized or he ll be fired. A week later the new boss fires Bert after he fails to follow up with an important customer.this example Bert is a static character.Character - a special kind of flat character who is instantly recognizable to most readers. Possible examples include the ruthless businessman, shushing old librarian or dumb jock. They are not the focus nor developed in the story .: The main character in a story, Bernard, is hired by a computer company. His secretary is a blonde named Gidget, who is cute but forgetful and never gets a joke.this example Gidget is a stock character.
Conclusion
the character types are listed separately, charact...
