Character
In fictional film or literature, character types are used to help viewers to empathize with the story. A person's character typically refers to the qualities they possess. However, a character can also be an animal, object, or abstraction in a story. Objects are often represented through anthropomorphism, where human attributes are applied to a non-human. According to an explainer video about animated light for the movie, Akira, the city itself was considered to be a character. Other examples of non-human characters include Lightning McQueen from Cars (2006) and a homicidal car tire named Robert in the movie Rubber (2010).
Characterization
In the process of characterization, a writer will construct traits of a character according to how they will serve the story's plot requirements. Characters are often inspired by people from real life, but often become simplified, combined, and adapted as needed.
See tvtropes.org wiki for an expansive collection of characterization tropes.
Types (tropes) in fictional stories
Character types are often one or a combination of the following:
- Main character: We experience the story through this character's eyes.
- Supporting character: These characters help us understand the main character, advance the story.
- Protagonist character: The story typically follows this character most closely. They are needed to resolve the conflict and typically have heroic qualities.
- Antagonist character: Tries to prevent the story goal. Opposes the protagonist.
- Dynamic character: Shows development and change over time.
- Static character: Does not develop or change over time.
- Anti-hero character: Protagonist who lacks heroic qualities.
- Round character: Well developed, complex, sometimes contradictory traits.
- Flat character: Not well developed, static.
- Stock character: Archetypal, stereotypical, and flat.
- Foil character: Typically contrasts the main character in qualities and values so that we may learn more about the main character.
- Symbolic character: This character represents an abstract concept like "hope" or "justice."
Character profiling
Creating a character profile is helpful to describe the way in which a character connects with and supports the telling of a story.
- Importance to story
- What role does the character play?
- Characterization types
- Physical attributes
- Name, age, gender
- Markings, tattoos
- Abilities, disabilities
- Race/ethnicity
- Inner struggle and journey
- What motivates the character?
- What does the character want more than anything?
- What do they fear most?
- How do they hide their true selves from the world?
- What would they want to be remembered for?
- What do they learn by the end of the story?
- Personality
- Unique trait
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Critical flaw that impacts the story
- Behaviors and actions
- Back story that explains why they are this way
- Story interaction
- Internal conflicts
- External conflicts
- Meetings with other characters
- How are character flaws introduced into the story?