Round vs. Flat Characters — Differences and Examples
Round and flat characters
Round and flat characters are defined based on the depth of their traits. Round characters are multi-dimensional and complex, whereas flat characters are two-dimensional and typically have minimal traits. Round characters are usually dynamic characters and flat characters are usually static characters.
Authors use round characters for the following reasons:
Realistic: Round characters are true to life, as people in real life are complex and not defined by a single trait.
Interest: Readers find complex characters much more interesting than simple ones. When round characters interact with more simplistic characters, authors attempt to create suspense, as the result of those interactions is what helps develop the main character. Readers become interested in how the character responds, as round characters are not as predictable as flat ones.
Memorable: Authors want their readers to identify and sympathize/empathize with the characters they create. Readers are more attentive to characters who have virtues and vices, much like they do. Relating to characters makes them memorable to the reader.
Authors use flat characters for the following reasons:
Purpose: While not always the most interesting, flat characters are necessary for any literary work. Their presence allows authors to show the complexity of their main character. Flat characters are often the reason for conflicts, without which the protagonist would not be able to develop over the course of the story.
Dramatic Foil: Authors use flat characters as a dramatic foil to the round characters. As a foil, flat characters embody the opposite traits of the round character. With this contrast, readers better understand each character, as the lack of qualities in the flat character helps to emphasize the ones present in the round character.
Exposition: Sometimes, authors use flat characters as a way to provide background information creatively. Rather than focusing solely on narration, authors may use a character who can provide backstory to develop the plot and pull readers into the story.
Author E.M. Forster introduced the idea of flat and round characters in his 1927 book The Aspects of the Novel.
Characteristics of flat and round characters
Round characters possess the following qualities:
Protagonist: Authors develop their protagonists as round characters, as their main trait is their ability to change. Since round protagonists are multifaceted, multi-dimensional characters and have complex personalities, they are more likely to develop throughout the course of a story.
Conflicted: When developing round characters, authors focus on detailing their struggles and internal conflicts. They reveal the character’s complexity and motivations, which helps to develop their complexity.
Dynamic: Round characters are typically also dynamic characters, meaning they undergo significant change and character development through a text.
Flat characters possess the following qualities:
Archetypal: An archetype is a typical example of a person or thing, also known as a stock character. Within literature, an archetype is a stereotypical example of a group whittled down into a single character. Examples include the hero, the sage, the child, the villain, the jester, the ruler, the cynic, the scientist, etc. Therefore, a flat character represents the main character trait attributed to the stock character.
Antagonist: The antagonist of a literary work hinders the progression of the plot, ultimately standing in the way of the protagonist. Since the main point of the story is the growth of the protagonist, writers naturally construct a one-dimensional antagonist. However, this is not a requirement, as writers can choose to create an antagonist with more depth, as is common in more modern literature.
Static: Flat characters are typically also static characters, meaning they do not undergo a significant change by the end of the story.
Examples of flat and round characters
The following are examples of round characters from famous literary works:
Romeo from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: At the outset of the play, Romeo is devastated that the woman he loves, Rosaline, has rejected him. Yet a few scenes later, he forgets how he was scorned upon seeing Juliet, highlighting his impulsivity. Shakespeare then highlights Romeo’s duplicitous nature as he plans to marry Juliet and leave Verona. Romeo’s behavior indicates his complexity, making him a round character.
Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Gatsby’s mysteriousness helps to develop him as a round character. Initially, he is perceived as a wealthy man who spends his days throwing extravagant parties. However, the more Fitzgerald reveals about Gatsby, the character’s personality traits become more complex. The readers learn the reasoning behind his lavish life has a deeper purpose, as he is motivated by his love for Daisy, who he grew apart from when he left for WWI, and his desire to hide his lower-class upbringing. Ultimately, his complex nature makes him a round character.
The following examples identify flat characters from famous literary works:
Lord/Lady Capulet and Lord/Lady Montague from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: Unlike their children, Romeo and Juliet’s parents remain solely focused on their hatred for each other. They disregard the feelings of their children, which ultimately leads to the death of their son and daughter. The parents are one-dimensional and are only concerned with their feud, making them flat characters.
Tom Buchanan from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: As Daisy’s husband, Tom represents the rich elite who believe they are above everyone else and can do whatever they please due to their wealth. Throughout the novel, he showcases his hypocrisy and never strays from his egotistical and selfish nature, making him a flat character.