Teaching Students about Round and Flat Characters
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As an essential element of fiction, characters play a significant role in drawing readers into a fictional world. Novels and short stories alike are full of characters that come in different shades of complexity – some are simple and straightforward, while others are multidimensional and full of contradictions. Among the common types of characters, round and flat characters are two that stand out the most. For students learning to appreciate literature at a deeper level, understanding the concept of round and flat characters is critical. This article will explore the features of round and flat characters and suggest some teaching strategies to help students master the concept.
Before getting into the specifics of round and flat characters, it’s essential to understand what a character is. In literature, the term ‘character’ refers to a person, animal, or any other being in the story. A character’s job in a story is to interact with other characters, move the plot forward, and convey the author’s message or themes through their experiences. Characters can be classified based on several attributes, including their roles, personality, motivations, and depth.
A flat character is a one-dimensional character that lacks depth and often follows a conventional stereotype or a particular trait. Flat characters are typically uncomplicated, predictable, and are present in the story to perform specific functions. In other words, they are characters that do not undergo any significant changes throughout the story. Their actions and reactions are consistently aligned with their fixed traits. Some examples of flat characters include the typical high school jock, the damsel in distress, or the evil stepmother in fairy tales. Flat characters can be useful in fiction, as they provide a clear and straightforward point of reference and help move the story forward.
In contrast to flat characters, round characters are those that have a more complex and unpredictable personality.
Round characters are multidimensional, and their behavior is influenced by different factors such as their environment, background, experiences, and relationships with other characters. Round characters are typically more realistic and relatable than flat characters and can evoke different emotions from the reader. They are dynamic characters that can change and develop throughout the story. For example, Holden Caulfield, from J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in The Rye, is a round character who undergoes different experiences that shape his personality throughout the novel.
Teaching students the difference between flat and round characters is an essential part of literature curriculum. A teacher can use a variety of techniques to help students understand the concept of flat and round characters. One effective approach is through discussion questions and role-play activities. For example, asking students to step into the shoes of a particular character and answer questions from the perspective of that character can help them understand the character’s motivations, personality, and depth. This activity can also enhance students’ empathy skills and encourage them to think critically about different points of view.
Another effective way to teach students about flat and round characters is through analysis of literary passages. Teachers can ask their students to identify examples of flat and round characters in a novel or a short story and analyze how they contribute to the plot and the themes. For example, after reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the teacher can ask students to analyze the character of Atticus Finch, who is a round character. By examining Atticus’s actions, motivations, and relationships with other characters, students can gain a deeper understanding of his character and the importance of multidimensional characters in literature.
In conclusion, teaching students about round and flat characters is an essential part of literature curriculum. By understanding the concept of round and flat characters, students can gain a deeper appreciation for fiction and the critical role that characters play in storytelling. Teachers can use a variety of teaching strategies to help students master this concept, including discussion questions, role-play activities, and literary analysis. By developing their analytical and critical thinking skills, students can become more confident readers and excel in their literary studies.