Write and format professional books with ease. When placed against a more complex character, a flat character can help strengthen the reader's opinion of a round character, making him or her seem more real in the process.

For this reason, the terms “stock character” and “flat character” are often interchangeable.Ī flat character can also work well as a foil character. Usually, they make up the supporting roles, showing up as minor characters for the main character to interact with. Flat characters serve different purposes in a story. Flat characters are just what they sound like: lacking depth and a complex personality. Round Characters vs Flat CharactersĬharacter depth is the fundamental difference between round and flat characters.

This is why round characters are so important. And for most fiction, this is the key to a great story. If the reader doesn't believe that a character could be a real person - if they seem two-dimensional or stereotypical - then they will not be invested in that character's journey.

Usually, a round character is a major character, although this is not always the case. A round character's personality mimics that of a real person through their actions, words, choices, and reactions to conflict. Use Direct and Indirect CharacterizationĪ round character is one that is complex and multifaceted enough to be believable for the reader.

How Can You Tell if a Character is Round or Flat?.

Statiatic/flat character definition