AP Literature Characterization Flashcards

5020112744	protagonist	the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.	0
5020109248	antagonist	any force in a story or play that is in conflict with the main character (not necessarily a person)	1
5020109253	major characters	characters who play significant roles in a work	2
5020109255	minor characters	characters who are utilized for a specific purpose, such as moving the plot along	3
5020109247	direct characterization	the author tells straight out what the characters are like	4
5020109251	indirect characterization	the author shows the characters through their speech, thoughts, effect on others, actions, and looks	5
5020109249	round characters	complex and many-sided/three-dimensional characters	6
5020109250	flat characters (static character)	characters that only have one or two predominant traits; they do not change during the story	7
5020109256	stereotypical/stock characters	a character who is used to represent a class or group (ex: boy next door, damsel in distress, dark lord, farmer's daughter, jock, Mammy archetype, villain, wise old man)	8
5020109257	dynamic characters	characters who undergo major changes	9
5020109254	foil	a minor character who provides the opportunity for comparison and contrast, sets off or illuminates the major character (ex: In "Lion King," Mufasa/Scar)	10
5020109246	epiphany	a moment of spiritual insight into the life or into the character's own circumstances	11