(Character Definitions)	Name: ________________________

Laurie Halse Anderson	Period: ______ Date: ___________

Speak

Directions: Characters can be defined in many different ways depending on their level of development or involvement in a work. Below you will find categories of characters. Define the following terms using your class notes and the “Glossary of Literary Terms” found at the end of The Language of Literature.

Protagonist	Antagonist
The central character or hero in a narrative or drama-usually the one with whom the audience tends to identify with. Example:	The principal character in opposition to the protagonist. Can also be a force of nature/society. “The bad guy” Example:
Major	Minor
A strongly emphasized character in the plot, and the story will mostly revolve around them with little or no parts without them. Example:	A character with a lot of parts and important to the story, but not 100% needed. This character moves the plot along. Example:
Round	Flat
A character whose personality, background, motives, and other features are fully described by the author. Example:	Characters who are described simply or underdeveloped. Example:
Dynamic	Static
A character who undergoes major changes as the plot unfolds.	A character who remains the same as the plot unfolds.