When it comes to creating characters for literature, there are two types that are often discussed: flat and round. Though both are effective in storytelling, they each have their own unique characteristics that make them ideal for certain types of stories and themes. Flat characters are often characterized by one or two traits that are consistent throughout the story, while round characters are more complex and dynamic in their personality and development. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of round and flat characters further, discussing the advantages and drawbacks of each as well as when each is most effective. We’ll also look at a few examples of each type of character in literature, so that readers can better understand how each type is used in successful stories.
“What is a Flat Character vs a Round Character?”: A Literary Guide for English Students and Teachers
What is a flat character?
A flat character is a simple character. They are fairly straightforward characters with one- or two-dimensional personalities. Most one-dimensional characters have only one or two personality traits, lack depth, and do not defy the straightforward definitions that define them. To make flat characters easier for audiences to understand quickly, many of them are based on well-known stereotypes.
Flat characters are rarely able to surprise the audience or change throughout a story. However, flat characters are not always indicative of poor writing or boring personalities. Instead, they are frequently vivid or distinct yet straightforward characters, and they are crucial to the plot of a story. Flat characters assist round characters and advance the story’s plot.
What is a round character?
A round character is a complex character. These individuals have complex personalities as well as unique motivations, flaws, qualities, and backgrounds. They have sincere aspirations to accomplish things, and their complex, distinct personalities frequently feature opposing traits that advance the plot.
Most main characters in stories are round characters. Through the course of the narrative, these characters are capable of changing. Additionally, round characters might astound audiences without jeopardizing their credibility, enabling them to startle audiences without deviating from their character or undermining the audience’s faith in them.
Differences between a round vs. flat character
Round and flat both refer to a fictional characters complexity. However, each term describes a different type of character. Some differences between round and flat characters include:
Types of fiction
Flat and rounded characters can appear in any kind of fiction. However, compared to other fiction genres, some specific fiction subgenres might feature more flat characters. Flatter characters may be found in genres like crime, horror, and science fiction that place more of an emphasis on the plot than on character development.
Dimensions
Each character’s personality is made up of a different number of dimensions. While flat characters are frequently one- or two-dimensional, round characters are multidimensional characters. This means round characters are more well-developed than flat characters.
Lifelike
Round characters are more lifelike than flat characters. Characters in the round have distinctive personalities, well-defined backgrounds, aspirations, and motivations. However, flat characters are very straightforward characters with a limited number of traits.
Characteristics
Flat characters only have one or two defining characteristics. However, round characters have a variety of traits, some of which may even be in conflict with one another. This allows round characters to engage and surprise audiences.
Description
Compared to flat characters, round characters are frequently more complex and challenging to describe. Most flat characters can be described using only a few adjectives or, at most, one sentence. However, round characters need more detailed descriptions to adequately convey their nuances and histories.
Role in the story
Generally speaking, round characters are more significant or prominent in stories than flat characters. The protagonists of a story, in particular, are typically round characters because readers are more familiar with them. Flat characters tend to be minor characters, but they could still have a significant impact on the plot.
Static vs. dynamic
Characters may either be static or dynamic. Dynamic characters undergo substantial changes during the story. However, static characters do not significantly change as the story progresses.
In general, dynamic characters are rounded, while static characters are flat. However, either character type could be static or dynamic. For instance, a supervillain might be a rounded character who remains the same at the end of the narrative, making them static. Similar to this, a bully in a high school story might start out as a minor flat character but later decide to stop taunting others and make friends with them, becoming a dynamic character.
Symbolism
Flat characters may act as symbols in allegories or instructive tales. Allegories are stories that contain a special moral or message. Because they lack nuance and lack the feeling of being real, flat characters can be powerful symbols. Similar to how round characters feel too lifelike for symbolism to work, writers rarely use them as symbols.
Purpose
Both rounded and flat characters are significant to the story, and each character has a distinctive effect on it. But round characters are frequently the center of the story, and they are there to draw in viewers and change or grow as characters. However, flat characters are primarily used to advance the plot and provide support for rounded characters.
Stereotypes
Flat characters only have a few traits. These characters frequently rely on prior knowledge or stereotypes to establish who the characters are. Common stereotypes of flat characters include an indignant elderly neighbor, a clueless father, a stressed-out bride, or a brazen high school athlete. Although round characters may exhibit some stereotypical characteristics, they develop into something more and have more complex personalities.
Predictability
Flat characters have a limited number of characteristics, so their behavior or actions are generally predictable. However, round characters are more complex and nuanced. They can thus surprise audiences because their behavior and actions are less predictable as a result.
Memorability
Audiences often remember flat and round characters in different ways. Flat characters may only be remembered by audiences for their unique traits On the other hand, audiences might recall rounded characters more vividly and based on their personalities and behaviors.
Perspective
Flat characters frequently maintain a single point of view throughout the narrative. Round characters, however, may change their thoughts throughout the story. Additionally, they frequently express their feelings and thoughts to the audience.
Conflict
Round characters experience personal conflict. This helps motivate them to change and forces character development. Flat characters, however, infrequently go through conflict, which makes them stay the same throughout the narrative.
FAQ
What is an example of a flat character?
Additionally, flat characters remain the same throughout the narrative. The parents in a book that is primarily about a group of teenagers and the difficulties they have navigating the social situations in a high school are two examples of flat characters. The teacher in the Charlie Brown series.
Can a character be flat and round?
Characters can be either round or flat in a book, short story, play, or film.
What is a round character example?
In a book, play, or story, a round character is one with a complex personality. Like real people, they have depth in feelings and passions. For instance, the protagonist of the movie “Shrek” remarks, “‘Ogres are like onions,” implying that what they perceive is not the only truth.
Which character is more interesting round or flat?
Flat characters have a limited number of characteristics, so their behavior or actions are generally predictable. However, round characters are more complex and nuanced. They can thus surprise audiences because their behavior and actions are less predictable as a result.
