1. Recap:
2. BLUF:
3. Flat Characters:
   1. Example of Flat Characters:
4. Round Characters:
   1. Example of a Round Character:
5. Writing Exercise: Crafting Compelling Characters
   1. Part 1: Flat Characters
   2. Part 2: Round Characters
   3. Part 3: Reflection
6. Conclusion:

Recap:

Last week we discussed researching your characters, the processes some writers use, and some other ideas you might use. Don’t forget that a reader will notice how well you researched your characters by how they fall on the page. Did you find any of the methods mentioned last week helpful? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Our conversation inevitably led to the round versus flat character comparison, so that’s what we’ll address today.

BLUF:

Round characters show complexities, develop through the story, and surprise readers from time to time. Flat characters are two-dimensional figures that don’t change and remain uncomplicated throughout the work. You need both types of characters for a story, but knowing when to use them is what makes the difference.

Flat Characters:

Flat characters are your staples, feeders, and your cliché characters. While you don’t want your protagonist to be that flat character, they have their own uses in your story.

Let’s delve a little deeper into the concept of flat characters. A flat character, in literary terms, refers to a character who lacks significant depth and development throughout the story. Unlike round characters who undergo transformation and exhibit unique personalities, flat characters remain relatively unchanged and often serve a specific purpose in moving the plot along.

However, it’s important to note that the term “flat” doesn’t necessarily imply poorly written or uninteresting characters. On the contrary, flat characters can still play crucial and impactful roles in a narrative. They often act as supporting figures, providing contrast to the more complex main characters and contributing to the overall thematic and plot developments of the story.

Flat characters usually possess a narrow scope or perspective, as well as fixed opinions and behaviors. They may embody specific stereotypes or archetypes, such as the wise mentor, the villainous antagonist, or the loveable sidekick. By embodying these recognizable traits, they help readers quickly understand their roles and function within the story.

While flat characters may lack significant character arcs, their presence can be instrumental in highlighting the growth and evolution of the main characters. They create contrast, serving as a backdrop against which the main character’s complexities and transformations are more pronounced and impactful.

In summary, though flat characters may not be as individually captivating or dynamic as round characters, they serve a valuable narrative purpose. Through their simplicity and focused roles, they contribute to the overall structure, themes, and character development within a story. So, don’t underestimate the importance of these seemingly “flat” figures in your storytelling endeavors.

Example of Flat Characters:

Crabbe and Goyle from Harry Potter are basically thugs that back up their best friend, Draco Malfoy. If you look back at their storyline, you won’t see much change. They begin as mean little boys and become death eaters as He Who Must Not Be Named grows in power. Their purpose is to back up Malfoy and torment anyone outside of their house. They are a more memorable duo because of their constant proximity to the main characters, but it surprises no one when they die, nor is anyone at a significant loss. That sounds a little cold, but these two are prime examples of flat characters.

Round Characters:

Round characters often find themselves at the front of your page, chapter, and book. These are the characters that people come back to your stories for. They transform as they journey through the novel and have layers beyond each page. These are often your protagonists but can also be your antagonists. The Round character is someone that the readers know deeper than what happens in each scene.

In contrast to flat characters who lack depth and complexity, round characters are multi-dimensional and possess a wide range of emotions, motivations, and traits. They have pasts, dreams, and fears that shape their actions and decisions throughout the narrative. These characters undergo growth and development, sometimes confronting personal demons or overcoming internal conflicts. As readers delve into their stories, they become invested in the round characters’ successes and failures, empathizing with their struggles and celebrating their triumphs. This emotional connection and depth make round characters compelling and memorable, ensuring that readers stay engaged with the story until the very end.

By giving characters depth and complexity, authors can create narratives that resonate with readers on a profound level. When characters are well-rounded, it allows us to better understand and relate to their experiences. We become invested in their journeys, eagerly following their ups and downs, and rooting for them to overcome obstacles. The richness of round characters adds depth to the story, making it more immersive and enjoyable. So next time you embark on a writing project, remember the power of round characters and the impact they can have on your readers.

Example of a Round Character:

Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby is a great example of a round character. While his image may seem a constant in the first part of the book, F. Scott Fitzgerald reveals more through gossip between characters and Nick Carraway’s interactions with the popular Mr. Gatsby. As you read The Great Gatsby, watch how the layers of Gatsby’s background and behaviors unfold in each event. Jay Gatsby begins as a man of esteem and mystery and ends a normal man, with few attending his funeral. The great thing about Gatsby is that he doesn’t need to be present to influence the plot of the story. He drives people into an obsession to know more about himself, his money, or his past, just by existing. 

Writing Exercise: Crafting Compelling Characters

Part 1: Flat Characters

1. Make a list of 5 flat characters that could serve as supporting roles in your story (e.g., the sassy best friend, the strict teacher, the quirky neighbor, the menacing villain, etc.).
2. For each flat character, describe their physical appearance, distinct personality trait(s), and the specific purpose they serve in the story.
3. Write a brief scene (200-300 words) where one or more of your flat characters interact with the main character(s). Ensure that the flat characters remain true to their established traits and serve their intended purpose in the scene.

Part 2: Round Characters

1. Choose your main character(s) and create a detailed character profile for them, including their backstory, motivations, fears, strengths, weaknesses, and any internal conflicts they may face.
2. Identify key moments or turning points in your story where your main character(s) could undergo significant growth or transformation.
3. Write a scene (500-800 words) depicting one of these pivotal moments, showcasing how your round character(s) react, make decisions, and evolve based on the circumstances they face.

Part 3: Reflection

1. Review the scenes you’ve written and analyze how the flat and round characters complement each other.
2. Identify areas where you could further develop your round characters or introduce additional layers of complexity.
3. Consider how you can use flat characters more effectively to highlight or contrast the depth of your round characters.

Remember, the goal is to create a balanced ensemble of characters, where flat characters serve their purpose while allowing round characters to shine and captivate readers with their depth and growth. Practice this exercise regularly to hone your skills in crafting compelling characters that drive your stories forward.

Conclusion:

At the end of the day, characters are the most important part of a good story. You need to balance one-dimensional characters who just move the story along with complex characters who really make readers care. One-dimensional characters are okay – they give you familiar types to build your story on. But it’s the complex characters, with all their flaws and depth, that turn a story from forgettable to something readers love. Focus on getting complex characters right – make them interesting, let them surprise you as the writer, and make readers eager to know more about them. It’s a delicate balance, but getting the mix of simple and complex characters right is what distinguishes average writers from those who create worlds readers never want to leave.

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