The key concept here is to know how to identify flat characters, and if their flatness contributes to the narrative that you are aiming for in your story. That’s why we’ve prepared this piece to help you understand what a flat character is and how to round them out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is a Flat Character\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA flat character is a persona with an often predictable personality that shows little or no ambition and motivation. The character also doesn\u2019t go through any transformation that makes them have a well-rounded personality.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A flat character is the opposite of a round character, who has a complex personality which is often memorable and relatable to the readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideally, a flat character will: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Lack a multidimensional nature<\/li>
- Never go through character growth<\/li>
- Never have internal conflict<\/li>
- Match up to a stereotype <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, a three-dimensional or round character will often:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Experience internal conflict <\/li>
- Have a rounded personality<\/li>
- Undergo vast character growth <\/li>
- Go through an emotional and mental transformation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These are often called \u201cone-dimensional\u201d or \u201ctwo-dimensional\u201d because of their minimal or lack of complexity. Falling back into clich\u00e9 character tropes, they are simple characters that might not offer much depth to their characterizations. Your impression of a flat character rarely changes throughout the story, and they remain consistent across time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Difference between a Flat Character and Static Character\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA flat character can also be thought of as a static character, yet a static character is not necessarily flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The difference lies between the definition of roundness\/flatness and the state of being dynamic or static. When we talk about roundness and flatness, we usually refer to the complexity<\/em> of the character and their personality. We can connote that the rounder the character, the more complex and, in turn, interesting they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDynamicity, on the other hand, refers to the amount of<\/em> change<\/em>, often internal, that the character undergoes over the course of the story. Dynamic characters, since they undergo a major transformation throughout the novel, are often round, because we see them become more complex as they live through the story. <\/p>\n\n\n\nStatic characters, despite not undergoing a significant change in the story, can still be round characters: e.g. the readers may be introduced to specific aspects of a static character’s personality, increasing their complexity without ever changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are Flat Characters Bad?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHaving a flat character does not immediately make your book a failure. You have to first understand that flat characters fulfill specific roles in a character cast, and they are indeed important to have in your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, a three-dimensional or round character will often:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Experience internal conflict <\/li>
- Have a rounded personality<\/li>
- Undergo vast character growth <\/li>
- Go through an emotional and mental transformation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These are often called \u201cone-dimensional\u201d or \u201ctwo-dimensional\u201d because of their minimal or lack of complexity. Falling back into clich\u00e9 character tropes, they are simple characters that might not offer much depth to their characterizations. Your impression of a flat character rarely changes throughout the story, and they remain consistent across time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Difference between a Flat Character and Static Character\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A flat character can also be thought of as a static character, yet a static character is not necessarily flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The difference lies between the definition of roundness\/flatness and the state of being dynamic or static. When we talk about roundness and flatness, we usually refer to the complexity<\/em> of the character and their personality. We can connote that the rounder the character, the more complex and, in turn, interesting they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dynamicity, on the other hand, refers to the amount of<\/em> change<\/em>, often internal, that the character undergoes over the course of the story. Dynamic characters, since they undergo a major transformation throughout the novel, are often round, because we see them become more complex as they live through the story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Static characters, despite not undergoing a significant change in the story, can still be round characters: e.g. the readers may be introduced to specific aspects of a static character’s personality, increasing their complexity without ever changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are Flat Characters Bad?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Having a flat character does not immediately make your book a failure. You have to first understand that flat characters fulfill specific roles in a character cast, and they are indeed important to have in your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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