Round characters possess the following qualities: Characteristics of flat and round characters Forster introduced the idea of flat and round characters in his 1927 book The Aspects of the Novel. Rather than focusing solely on narration, authors may use a character who can provide backstory to develop the plot and pull readers into the story.Īuthor E.M.

With this contrast, readers better understand each character, as the lack of qualities in the flat character helps to emphasize the ones present in the round character.Įxposition: Sometimes, authors use flat characters as a way to provide background information creatively. As a foil, flat characters embody the opposite traits of the round character. Flat characters are often the reason for conflicts, without which the protagonist would not be able to develop over the course of the story.ĭramatic Foil: Authors use flat characters as a dramatic foil to the round characters. Their presence allows authors to show the complexity of their main character. Purpose: While not always the most interesting, flat characters are necessary for any literary work. Relating to characters makes them memorable to the reader.Īuthors use flat characters for the following reasons:

Readers are more attentive to characters who have virtues and vices, much like they do. Memorable: Authors want their readers to identify and sympathize/empathize with the characters they create. Readers become interested in how the character responds, as round characters are not as predictable as flat ones. When round characters interact with more simplistic characters, authors attempt to create suspense, as the result of those interactions is what helps develop the main character. Interest: Readers find complex characters much more interesting than simple ones. Realistic: Round characters are true to life, as people in real life are complex and not defined by a single trait. Authors use round characters for the following reasons:

Flat character meaning