What is at the center of a story? The characters of course. They move the action along, make the story interesting, and force us to hope for our choice of ending. Understanding the different types of characters and roles they fill can help us to hear the message the author is trying to tell us, as well as find a deeper connection with the story.

Character Types

These different types of characters work to make us think in different ways or focus on different parts of the story. Often stories may have a certain type (or types) of characters based on the purpose the story serves or the age it is written for. Understanding these types will help us know what the author is trying to communicate.

Dynamic Character

These characters change throughout the story. We typically get to watch them grow and mature as the story develops. They may also at times show different values and make mistakes. Because they make us focus on them and even more deeply on human nature, they make very good protagonists. They are layered like onions. Ebenezer Scrooge is a perfect example of this in A Christmas Character. He goes from being grumpy, money-pinching old man to a generous, jolly uncle.

Static Character

A static character is quite the opposite. It does not noticeably change throughout the story. They typically play small roles in a story. You also will often find them in children stories. They make it easier to understand the events taking place. They can also be used to avoid distracting from the overarching story. They cause us to think about what it is like to deal in absolutes. It opens are eyes to how different we are as humans. An example of a character like this might be Sherlock Holmes, who never sways from his principles.

Stock Character

A stock character represents a stereotype. They have a standard list of personality traits. They satisfy us because of the way they fully meet every expectation and often act as comedic relief. We find it amusing to realize what the stereotypes we have in our heads look like out in the open. Prince Charming has become a stereotype itself from its frequent appearance in women’s daydreams.

Symbolic Character

Symbolic characters represent issues or ideas much larger than themselves. They are supposed to point us to those bigger themes. They may have as much dynamism as the concept they support does. By putting an issue in a new light, they hope to open our eyes to how an injustice or truth really is. A very easy example of this might Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia. He represents something much larger than a mere lion but his unique form keys us in on new truths about God.

The Character Roles in a Story

Now that you understand the different types of characters, it is time to see the different roles they fill. All different types can serve in different roles. Not all of these roles are mandatory for every story. However, you will probably see them in a lot of stories.

Protagonist

The protagonist is the main character in the story. They are typically the ones the audience is led to support and “root for.” To enhance this, a story will often be told from their point of view. Their background is also typically explained along with the reasoning behind their decisions. This sharing of perspective causes us to sympathize with them even if they are very terrible people. Typically the story’s job is to highlight their character arc. Think of the Cinderellas of the world. The ones who literally have the book named after them. These characters are the easiest to spot and necessary for there to be any story at all.

Antagonist

This one is probably more popular even than the protagonist. This is the villainous character. I do not mean the many-sided character who makes some bad choices. This is the one who operates from cruelty and evil. The one whose main goal is to personally destroy our beloved protagonist in as many ways as possible. We are led to think of them as the most horrible mark in the story. We want them gone and celebrate their demise. Yes, I am talking about the evil stepmother here.

Love Interest

Every story needs a little romance, right? Love is, after all, what makes the world go round. This one is pretty self-explanatory. The love interest, hopefully, is a rich and engaging character. They do not have to be perfect and should have a deep personality. Unfortunately, the Prince in Cinderella does not carry these characteristics very well. This is because he is not the point of the story, but there are many times when the love interest has a lot more layers to them.

Confidant

The best friend, the unpopular kid who sticks by them and encourages them. Yes, a confidant is a close relationship, almost always a friend, who gives support, advice, and sometimes just a listening ear. You often are privileged to see their character develop just as much as the protagonist’s. Often they seem to be almost an extension of the main character. They are the people that the protagonist fights for and works for. While Cinderella does not have much opportunity for human friends, she finds respite by enjoying her time with the friendly mice and birds that live in her home.

Foil

The foil works as the opposite of the protagonist. They typically have the negative versions or antithesis of the characteristics expressed by the main character. Take as an example Cinderella’s stepsisters. While they are selfish and harsh, she is selfless and kind. They say horrible insults and act arrogantly while Cinderella is always generous in her speech and humble. Their lack of character emphasizes the things we learn to love about Cinderella. They serve to show her strengths.

Tertiary Characters

Have you ever seen the extras listed in the credits? “Boy 3” and “Zombie 6” get a spot for their name just like Emma Watson does. Many many stories require some filler characters to make the world they are set in make sense. The fact is there are a lot more people in the world than the five options listed above. These “extra” characters can serve a multitude of functions to fill in any gaps or move the story along. They are typically not too deep but can be a little dynamic.

I hope that these simple explanations of the types of characters and their roles in a story heighten your understanding of your reading. Of course, we could go far more in-depth with this but this is a good start. Using these new tools to analyze your next book will bring great fruit.