what is the difference between a round and flat character

With these key differences between round vs flat characters established, their personality comes next. Their Personality: Complex vs Straightforward While a round character calls the shots, creates change, and is integral to the unfolding story, a flat character goes with the flow, exists through change, and is present for the revelation of the various plot points. Flat characters are steady-they do not change and are more so an addition to the plot than a focal point of the plot. Round characters are dynamic-they push the story along and drive the action. However, looking more closely at these characteristics, one of the first aspects to take note of is the type of presence they bring to the story.

Due to their polar opposite characteristics they automatically reveal the other's differences. In fact, they often work together extremely well as foil characters. Round vs flat characters are not at odds. With these general definitions in mind, let’s dive a bit deeper into their differences. They are often much less complicated, they do not change, and they are a steady presence throughout the plot. From the first to last page their story is filled with circumstances (internal or external) that ultimately result in their change.įlat characters are just the opposite.

The primary difference between a flat character vs round character is their arc.

Flat Character Examples Differences Between Round vs Flat Characters

What is the difference between a round and flat character