Like people in the real world, characters in novels also come in all shapes and sizes. However, all characters can fit into four critical categories of character types: round, flat, dynamic, and static. Knowing the differences between these types can help you create a more engaging story, see the role your characters play in the novel, and whether a character needs to have growth or if they can remain unchanged at the end of the story.
1. Round Character
Round characters tend to be the main character or protagonists of the novel, and they undergo the most amount of change throughout the book. These characters are realistic and complex in the story, having flaws, goals, traumas, and so much more. They are "well-rounded."
A great example of a round character is Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Jay, originally James, grew up poor and became an extravagant party thrower hoping to win over his old flame Daisy. He is consumed with this; he is driven to madness and depression due to his love for her not being returned. He is a mysterious figure throughout the novel, not letting anyone except a select few into his inner circle to learn who is truly is, but he guards those truths closely.
2. Flat Character
A flat character is usually a minor character, but that is not always the case. A character whose backstory isn't told in detail and could be explained in one sentence to a paragraph. These characters lack inner conflict and a fully fleshed-out personality with depth. This type of character should be avoided if able to, they are not horrible characters, but they will make the story less realistic if they are not complex in some way. However, plot-driven or simple plots thrive on flat characters because specificity isn't needed for the overall story. Flat characters also drive the main protagonist's story to help them reach their goals.
Crabbe and Goyle from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling are flat characters because we, as readers, do not learn anything about them other than being friends/sidekicks of Draco's. We know they are not the most intelligent of the bunch and see that they are afraid of Draco, but past that, they are just bullies to Ron, Harry, and Hermione.
3. Dynamic Character
A dynamic character is a character that goes through a dramatic change from the beginning of the novel to the end. They have extreme character growth and change for better or worse by the end. This character gets their depth from these dramatic changes. Many dynamic characters drive the plot forward and help keep the story interesting for the reader.
Anakin Skywalker is a dynamic character, especially in the movie Star Wars Revenge of the Sith. Anakin starts the prequels as a young boy who dreams of leaving Tatooine and becoming a great Jedi. However, through many conflicts and manipulations, Anakin is trapped by the dark side. In turn, this dramatic change results in the death of his wife and him losing all his limbs and becoming a new character called Darth Vader. Throughout the prequel movies, Anakin drives the story forward by slowly becoming more and more drawn to the dark side's powers.
4. Static Character
Static characters do not change throughout the novel, and they remain the same despite the challenges within the story. Many examples of static characters are antagonists or foils of the protagonists. Just because the character is static doesn't mean they are not crucial to the story; instead, they don't go through a significant change like a dynamic character.
Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is an excellent example of a static character because he plays a role in the novel, but he doesn't undergo any change. He is a man that is concerned with his reputation and status as a clergyman from the beginning of the novel to the end. However, he also plays a vital role in bringing Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy together at last.
