Flat ver. Round Characters

 

Here are the key characteristics that distinguish a flat character from a round character, as described in the sources:

Flat Characters:

• Defined by a Single Idea or Quality: Flat characters, also referred to as "humors" or "types," are built around a single dominant trait or concept. They can often be summed up in a single sentence that captures their defining characteristic. For example, Mrs. Micawber in Dickens' work can be summarized by her persistent belief that "something will turn up."
• Easily Recognized and Remembered: Due to their simplicity, flat characters are readily identifiable each time they appear and are easily remembered by readers. They don't change significantly throughout the narrative, providing a sense of consistency and predictability.
• Limited Development: Flat characters typically don't undergo substantial growth or transformation. Their actions and reactions are often predictable based on their established trait.
• Effective for Comic Relief: Flat characters are often well-suited for comic roles. Their exaggerated traits and predictable behavior can be a source of humor.
• Examples: The Countess in Evan Harrington (defined by her insistence on concealing her father's humble origins), the Princess of Parma in Proust's work (defined by her constant need to be perceived as kind), and characters like Mr. Pickwick in Dickens, who maintain a consistent, recognizable persona.

Round Characters:

• Complex and Multifaceted: Round characters are more nuanced and possess a greater depth of personality. They are not defined by a single trait, but rather a combination of motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and contradictions.
• Capable of Change and Growth: Round characters evolve over the course of the story, responding to events and relationships, and undergoing transformations that feel believable and impactful.
• Element of Surprise: A defining feature of a round character is their ability to surprise the reader in a convincing way. Their actions might not always be predictable, reflecting the complexity of human behavior.
• Suitable for Tragic or Serious Roles: Unlike flat characters who are better suited for humor, round characters can carry the weight of tragedy and evoke deeper emotional responses from readers.
• Examples: Characters from works like War and Peace, Dostoevsky's novels, and Madame Bovary where individuals exhibit a range of emotions, internal conflicts, and growth throughout the narrative.

Additional Points from the Sources:

• Authors may use a combination of flat and round characters: A novel's complexity can benefit from the interplay between these types, creating a more realistic depiction of human interactions. Dickens, for example, masterfully uses flat characters to create a sense of depth and humanity, even though his characters are largely defined by single, dominant traits.
• The "point of view" from which a story is told can influence character development: Whether a narrator is omniscient, limited, or shifting perspectives can impact how much insight the reader receives into a character's inner world, shaping their perception of that character's roundness or flatness.

By understanding the distinctions between flat and round characters, readers can better appreciate the artistry of character development in novels and analyze how these choices contribute to a work's overall impact and meaning.