Flat VS Round Characters
- Character Development
Round Character
Interesting, believable,
Encourages character development
Flat Character
No depth, no real personality,
1-2 notable traits
- Round Character’s are fully realized characters that come into conflict with each other and other characters in believable ways. They are just spurring character development.
- Flat characters are cliche characters who act the exact same no matter what.
Your Goal:
Wright is a round character who has an interesting story and belivebal actions. As well as a complex personality.
Interesting story
Believable actions
Complex personality
Example: Susan
Notes- Spoiled by rich parents, Love’s pink, Loves expensive items-
Susan (Flat)
Spoiled brat
Cruel & Manipulative
Chases men
Demanding Girlfriend
Susan (Round)
Spoiled brat but with so much stuff nothing really had vale to her
She had a consuming emptiness in her and a desire to fill that hole. So she chased men who in the end couldn't fill her emptiness. So she took her aggression out on them and everyone around her.
She used and manipulated people to feel loved and valued when in the end all she needed to do was love and value herself.
Susan (Round Simplified)
Spoiled brat
Loss of value and worth
Struggles with emptiness
Gole to feel complete
Uses men to feel loved
Manipulate for love
(Round) Susan provides insight into motivation, reactions & morals
The Role of Flats
Minor Roles, predictable behavior, moves the plot forward
‘While a Round character’s decisions drive the plot, it is the plot which decides the actions of the Flat character’ - Sean Glatch
1 sentence summary, more likely a Flat character. 2+ sentence summary, more likely a Round character.
Character Design
Supports existing character
Traits
Backstoreys
Design Considerations
Climate, Class, ethnicity, location, interests, occupation, & motives
Tip: use color and design to pull things together, Review Pinterest or others for correlating inspiration. DO NOT STEAL DESIGNS FROM OTHER PEOPLE.
Avoid trying to make your story character stand out with a boatload of non-human features when they do not correlate to the characters story or the world which the characters live in.
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Do not come after me saying I said that other people can steal you designs because I did not. I said they can use them for inspiration but not steal. If this becomes a problem I will tack that part down. I hope this helps have a good day/night.
