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Flat characters serve different purposes in a story. Flat characters are just what they sound like: lacking depth and a complex personality. Round Characters vs Flat CharactersĬharacter depth is the fundamental difference between round and flat characters.
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This is why round characters are so important. And for most fiction, this is the key to a great story. If the reader doesn't believe that a character could be a real person - if they seem two-dimensional or stereotypical - then they will not be invested in that character's journey. Usually, a round character is a major character, although this is not always the case. A round character's personality mimics that of a real person through their actions, words, choices, and reactions to conflict. Use Direct and Indirect CharacterizationĪ round character is one that is complex and multifaceted enough to be believable for the reader. How Can You Tell if a Character is Round or Flat?.
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