Unit 1: Fiction

Vocabulary flashcards defining character types, characterization techniques, and character dynamics in literature.

Character

a person, animal or object in a literary work.

Direct Characterization

presenting a character in which the writer tells what a character is like by means of direct comment.

Indirect Characterization

presenting a character in which the writer shows what a character is like through what a character says, does (actions), thinks, feels, looks (physically), what other characters say or think about a person, etc.

Character’s Motivation

the cause or reason that compels a character to act as he does.

Protagonist

the main character

Antagonist

the main person or force working against the protagonist

Foil

a secondary character who calls attention to the major character’s traits

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes an important change.

Static Character

A character that does not change in any significant way.

Antihero

Lacks or seems to lack heroic traits; usually a protagonist.

Round Character

three-dimensional, fully developed character.

Flat Character

having only a few traits or only enough traits to fulfill their function

Stock Character

character conforms to a familiar and predictable formula, also known as a stereotype

Tragic Hero

noble central character with a tragic flaw that brings about or contributes to his or her downfall

Character Actions

Changes resulting from movement of things or people

Reversal

change by which the action veers round to its opposite

Recognition

change from ignorance to knowledge