English 10 / Unit 3: Character Development and Archetypes
3.2 Character Types and Foils
Notes
Characters play different roles and show different degrees of complexity.
- Protagonist: the central character. Antagonist: the force opposing the protagonist (a person, society, nature or the self).
- Round: complex, with many traits. Flat: one or two traits.
- Dynamic: changes in an important way. Static: stays the same.
- A foil contrasts with another character to highlight their traits. In Hamlet, Laertes rushes to avenge his father, which highlights Hamlet's delay.
- A stock character is a familiar type (the wise old man, the bully, the nerdy sidekick).
Practice
In Hamlet, Laertes acts quickly to avenge his father, while Hamlet hesitates. Laertes serves as Hamlet's:
His contrasting behavior highlights Hamlet's indecision.
A character begins a novel selfish and ends it willing to sacrifice for her family. She is:
She undergoes an important internal change.
A minor character is described only as "the grumpy mail carrier" and never changes. This character is:
He has one trait and does not change.
Ready for more? Take the Unit 3 test.