Types of Characters

Directions: As we go over this sheet, fill in the definition in your own words
Major/Central:
Minor:
Dynamic:
Static:
Round:
Stock:
Protagonist:
Antagonist:
Anti-Hero:
Foil:
Symbolic:

Things to remember: Characters can be more than one type of character at a time.
Example: A protagonist can be a flat or stock character, for example the one-dimensional
hero

Characteristics of Compelling Characters

A driving need, desire, ambition, or goal

A secret

A contradiction

Vulnerability

As you think of characters, remember:

Compelling characters have fears, affections, and concerns outside of your plot- do not let
your plot ideas flatten your characters

Tip: having trouble creating more depth for a character? Base that character on someone
you may know. Remember, do not directly create someone as a character in your story
unless you ask permission or it is an autobiography.

Emotional Triggers
Imagine your character. They will most likely face some of the following scenarios, and
in order to have a realistic response, think of how you would respond in these situations.
Be honest! The more honest you are, the more your readers will relate with your
character.
Moment of great fear:
Moment of great courage:
Moment of great sorrow:
Moment of great joy:
A failure:
Moment of shame:
Moment of guilt:
Moment of forgiveness (either given or received):

The NINE Important Aspects of a Good Character:

1. Communication Style
How do they talk?
Do they have any specific phrases they use that make them interesting?
How does this make the character unique?
2. History
Where is your character from?
What has made them the way that they are?
What is their family like?
Keep in mind- you do not have to tell the reader all of this information!
3. Appearance
What do they look like?
Does their appearance affect how others see them?
4. Relationships
What kind of friends does this person have, if they have any?
Are they an introvert or an extrovert?
5. Ambitions
Does this person have a goal?
Does this person have an obsession?
What is their passion?
6. Character Flaw
Lazy?
Hyper?
Self-centered?
Opinionated?
7. Thoughts
Do their internal and external voices match?
Internal conflict?
8. Relatable
Would your reader like your character? Hate them?
Can your reader have an emotional response to them?
9. Restrictions
Think Superman and Kryptonite
Think of a boy who cannot swim going to a pool party

Strategies to Draft Characters

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Write character sketches

List character traits
Make a character personality chart
Create your characters character arc
Draft how the character and plot fit together
Draft a character back story

A personal favorite strategy of mine is to draw my character! In the remaining space on

this sheet, draw your character. Include their setting and a speech bubble! Get creative