Lesson 3

Question 1

Character

Answer 1

Static character: one that does not undergo important change in the course of the story, remaining essentially the same at the end as he or she was at the beginning.

Dynamic character: one that does undergo an important change in the course of the story. More specifically, the changes that we are referring to as being “undergone” here are not changes in circumstances, but changes in some sense within the character in question – changes in insight or understanding (of circumstances, for instance), or changes in commitment, in values. The change (or lack of change) at stake in this distinction is a change “in” the character (nature) of the character (fictional figure).

Question 2

Character Sketch

Answer 2

Unlike a biographical sketch, which focuses on significant events in a person’s life, a character sketch concentrates on revealing personality and character. In other words, it creates a vivid impression of a subject rather than recounting a life story. James Thurber’s character sketch, which follows, uses techniques of description, narration, and exposition to let us understand the kind of person the father was.

Question 3

Round character

Answer 3

(complex) characters have a compound personality, and will inherently be considered primary players in the story. These people are three-dimensional in that they have form and appearance, but they also have a rich inner life that motivates them in their desires and their actions. It’s that inner life that propels them forward and moves along your story. It’s not important the reader know the whole psychological profile of those round characters. However, enough implications should come through conversations and actions – what they say and do.