Flat vs Round, Showing vs Telling Sam Young, Philip O’Doherty, Michael Katz,

Joshua Inyangson

Terms of FocusFlat vs. Round CharactersShowing vs. Telling Characterization

Flat Characters * Definition: A character in a story that stays the same throughout the story

* Does not undergo an significant change throughout the piece of work

* More a type than an individual * Also called a two-dimensional character * Examples: Reba, Freddie and Ruth to a degree

Round CharactersDefinition: A multifaceted character subject to change and growth. Round characters are capable of inconsistencies and are most similar to actual human beings.

Example: Milkman (his decisions throughout the book are inconsistent and he goes through major change)

Showing Characterization• Showing characterization simply

means presenting characters’ actions without commentary and allowing that dramatization to imply their motives, feelings, and values.

• Pilates past stories and actions give the reader an idea of how she thinks

Telling Characterization• Definition: Method by which the author shapes the

audience’s view of a character by describing and commenting on characters’ motives and values and often passing judgement on characters and events.

• Example: The Piano Lesson by August Wilson. When the author introduces a new character he uses stage directions to describe the character. For example when describing Boy Willie the author writes “Boy Willie is 30 years old. He has an infectious grin and a boyishness that is apt for his name. He is brash and impulsive,talkative and somewhat crude in speech and manner.”