

Flat characters are generally minor characters, but they may still affect the story in a meaningful way. A story's main characters, especially protagonists, are usually round characters because readers know more about them. Round characters typically have a more prominent or important role in the story than flat characters. Round characters, however, require longer descriptions to capture their nuances and histories. You can describe most flat characters with only a few adjectives or, at most, a single sentence. Round characters are often more complex and difficult to describe than flat characters. This allows round characters to engage and surprise audiences. However, round characters have many characteristics, and some characteristics may even be contradictory.

Characteristicsįlat characters only have one or two defining characteristics. Flat characters, however, are very simple characters with only a few traits. Round characters have unique, well-developed personalities and well-defined backgrounds, desires and motivations.

Round characters are more lifelike than flat characters. This means round characters are more well-developed than flat characters. However, round characters are multidimensional characters, while flat characters are often one- or two-dimensional. Related: 9 Types of Fiction Genres (With Examples) DimensionsĮach character has a unique number of dimensions to create their personality. Genres such as crime, horror and science fiction, which focus more on the plot than character development, may include more flat characters. However, some specific fiction genres may include more flat characters than other genres do. Some differences between round and flat characters include: Types of fictionĪll types of fictional works may include round and flat characters. However, each term describes a different type of character. Round and flat both refer to a fictional character's complexity. Related: 15 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer Differences between a round vs. Flat characters support round characters, and they help advance the plot of the story. Instead, they are often vivid or distinct but simple characters, and they are important for storytelling purposes. However, flat characters do not necessarily reflect poor writing skills or have dull personalities. Many flat characters come from well-known stereotypes to help audiences quickly understand who they are.įlat characters rarely have the ability to change during a story or surprise the audience. Most flat characters only have one or two characteristics or personality traits, and they lack depth and do not defy the simple formulas that define them. They have one- or two-dimensional personalities, and they are relatively uncomplicated characters. What is a flat character?Ī flat character is a simple character. Round characters also may surprise audiences without losing credibility, allowing them to shock audiences without doing something out of their nature or damaging the audience's trust. These characters have the ability to undergo change during the story. Most main characters in stories are round characters. They have genuine desires to do things, and their rich, well-defined personalities often include conflicting characteristics, helping the story to progress. These characters have multidimensional personalities and distinct motives, flaws, qualities and backgrounds.
CIRCULAR STUDIO FLAT HOW TO
Related: How To Become an Author What is a round character?Ī round character is a complex character. In this article, we discuss what a round character is, what a flat character is and some differences between a round vs. Two types of characters you can create are round and flat characters, and if you're a writer or want to become one, it's important to understand the difference between the two. However, effective storytelling often involves creating a variety of characters to support the plot fully. Fictional stories involve creating engaging plots with interesting characters that audiences connect to and consider compelling.
