Flat Character

Definition

A flat character is a simplified and one-dimensional character in literature who lacks complexity and depth. These characters often embody a single trait or idea and do not undergo significant development throughout the story. In the context of character development and symbolism, flat characters are frequently used to highlight key themes and to contrast with round characters, who are more nuanced and fully developed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flat characters are typically used by authors to serve specific roles in the narrative, such as comic relief or as foils to more complex characters.
2. In Dickensian fiction, flat characters often represent social classes or moral ideals, illustrating broader societal issues without intricate personal stories.
3. Many characters in Dickens' novels, like Mr. Bumble from 'Oliver Twist', exemplify flatness through their predictable traits and actions, reinforcing themes of social critique.
4. Flat characters can help create clear contrasts in moral dilemmas, allowing readers to quickly grasp the author's message without getting lost in character complexity.
5. While flat characters can sometimes be seen as less engaging, they play essential roles in emphasizing particular themes or conflicts within the narrative.

Review Questions

• How do flat characters function within Dickensian fiction to support the overall narrative?
  • Flat characters in Dickensian fiction serve crucial functions by embodying specific traits or societal roles that emphasize the themes of the story. They often represent stereotypes or social classes, making it easier for readers to understand the social critique at play. For example, flat characters may highlight issues like poverty or greed without needing complex backstories, allowing Dickens to focus on broader societal critiques.
• Discuss the relationship between flat characters and round characters in Dickens' works. How do they complement each other?
  • In Dickens' works, flat characters often serve as foils to round characters, highlighting their complexities and moral dilemmas. While round characters like David Copperfield undergo significant growth and face internal conflicts, flat characters maintain consistent traits that can amplify the emotional impact of these struggles. This contrast allows readers to see the depth of the protagonist's journey against a backdrop of more straightforward motivations represented by flat characters.
• Evaluate how Dickens uses flat characters to convey social commentary. What techniques does he employ?
  • Dickens employs flat characters strategically to convey social commentary by making them representative of societal issues rather than individuals with multifaceted personalities. Techniques such as exaggeration and caricature are used to illustrate their traits clearly, making it easy for readers to grasp Dickens' critique of society. For instance, using overly pompous figures like Mr. Bumble highlights the absurdity of certain social institutions. This method allows Dickens to draw attention to moral flaws within society while using these simplified representations to facilitate understanding and engagement with serious themes.

Related terms

Round Character:

A round character is a complex character who exhibits a range of emotions, behaviors, and motivations, allowing for deeper development throughout the story.

Character Arc: A character arc refers to the transformation or growth that a character experiences over the course of a narrative, often leading to significant changes in their beliefs, values, or behaviors.

Archetype: An archetype is a typical character model or symbol that recurs throughout literature, often representing universal patterns of human nature.