What is A Round Character? A Guide for Authors and Writers

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Key Takeaways – What is a Round Character

• A round character is multi-dimensional and complex, similar to real-life people.
• Round characters play an important role in stories, making stories exciting and engaging for readers.
• Round characters undergo growth and change and evolve throughout the story.
• They are dynamic and drive the plot forward with their actions and decisions.
• Authors can create round characters by developing detailed character profiles.
• They don’t have to be morally upright, and while backstory is important, it should be integrated seamlessly.

Introduction to a Round Character

Let’s understand characters, more specifically, a round character. Have you ever read a book or watched a movie where the characters felt almost real? You may have thought that they could be your friends or family. Well, such characters are called “round characters”. We can define a round character as the most exciting character.

In this extensive guide, we will tell you everything that has to do with a round character. We will be answering questions such as what are round characters and why they are important. This can help authors and writers with writing and publishing their own books.

So, if you want to write a book, then you have to understand different characters, such as round characters. Keep reading, as this blog has too much to offer. Let’s get into the show and go round around the characters.

What is a Round Character?

So, what does a round character mean? A round character is a fictional character that relates to real-life persons. For example, you might see a round and think that you may know someone who is similar to them, such as your friends or family. Particularly in stories, a “round character” is like a person with lots of things going on in life. Such characters may have lots of feelings, thoughts, and experiences.

Round characters are not one-dimensional. They are complex and interesting at the same time. This is the very reason that they feel similar to real people. Round characters are super important in storytelling because they make the story more exciting and fun to read.

These characters feel like you are hanging out with your own friends or going on adventures with them. Similar to real-life people, they can surprise you with what they do and say. Round characters are unexpected.

Keep reading to understand what precisely a round character is. We will explain why they are such a big deal in storytelling. So, get ready for the adventurous ride around the roundabout!

What is a Round Character in a Story?

A round character in a story is just like your old friend that you have known forever. The only difference is that they also have lots of different sides to them. Such characters are not one-dimensional. They are full of surprises and feelings, just like real people.

Before getting ahead to know why they are important in storytelling, let’s talk about character development first. This is like watching a character grow and change throughout a story.

In easy words, just as you grow and change as you experience new things in your own life. Round characters have a lot of development due to not sticking in one place. Such characters do much more, such as:

• Learn
• Struggle
• Change Over Time

Difference Between Flat And Round Characters

Think about the difference between flat and round characters. Why? Because flat characters are somewhat opposite to round characters. These characters are background players in a story. They do not change much, and you do not get to learn a lot about them.

However, round characters are the stars of the show. We get to know everything about them and their journey in the story. Similar to real people, you can connect with them on a deeper level. Such characters, just like morally grey characters, also increase your interest in the story.

Why Does Character Depth Matter So Much In A Story?

You may have this question in your head: why does character depth matter so much in a story? Well, imagine you are reading a vampire romance book where all the characters are boring and predictable. The story is not very exciting, right? Characters with depth are what make the story more interesting and believable. They add emotions and complexity to the story. This is what makes us hooked until the very end.

Examples Of Round Characters

Now that you have an idea of character depth and the importance of a round character. Let’s check out some of the examples. We will focus on the examples in literature and media. Think about Harry Potter; he’s not just a wizard; he is a:

• Brave friend
• Loyal ally
• Boy who struggles with his past

How about Elsa from Frozen? She is not just an ice queen; she is a:

• Sister
• Queen
• Young woman learning to accept herself

See, round characters are everywhere. They are the ones that make us laugh, cry, and cheer along with them. So, the next time you read a story or watch a movie, pay attention to the characters. You might just find a new friend in the pages of your fiction book or on the screen.

What’s a Round Character in Literature

A round character definition in literature is that a round character is like a best friend you have known really well since childhood. These characters are not just there to fill space on the page; they are complex and interesting. They have many layers, such as:

• Thoughts
• Feelings
• Experiences

However, what makes round characters so special, just like foil characters, and why do they stand out in stories? Let’s understand it together.

Characteristics Of Round Characters

As we told earlier, they are not simple or one-dimensional characters. They are puzzles with lots of pieces that fit together to create a complete picture. One key characteristic of round characters is their psychological complexity. This means they have deep thoughts and emotions. Apart from that, they also may struggle with different things that shape who they are and how they behave, such as:

• Fears
• Desires
• Inner Conflicts

Round characters also have evolving personalities. There is a difference between static and round characters. Round characters are not static like flat characters. These characters change and grow over the course of the story. For example, they may be shy and timid at first but become brave and confident by the end. Furthermore, they can be kind and generous but learn to be assertive and stand up for themselves later on.

Another important aspect of round characters is their multi-dimensional traits. They are not all good or all bad. Instead, they are a mix of strengths and weaknesses, just as we humans have. They might be brave and courageous in some situations but vulnerable and insecure in others. This makes them relatable and realistic because nobody is perfect anyway.

Techniques for Creating Round Characters

Suppose you want to create a round character; then, we will explain how to create one step by step. It is simple to create round characters if you follow the steps properly. It is as if you are painting a colorful picture with words. To bring your characters to life, you need to apply a variety of techniques. Here are some tried-and-true methods if you want to create round characters.

Character Details

One of the most powerful techniques to create a round character is to develop detailed character profiles. Think of these profiles as snapshots of your characters’ lives. Add as many details as you can, such as:

• Physical Appearance
• Personality Traits
• Background History

These are just examples, and you can add other things as well. When you add these details and more, you create characters that feel real. These characters will have greater depth to them, which includes:

• Hopes
• Dreams
• Fears

Physical Descriptions

Physical descriptions are important and essential as they bring characters to life. Adding details and giving descriptions of their appearance helps readers visualize them in their minds’ eyes. However, do not just describe what your characters look like. Go beyond and use their physical traits to reveal aspects of their personality and backstory as well. To understand this, here is an example:

• A scar might hint at a past trauma.
• A quirky hairstyle might reflect a character’s unique personality
• An expensive car and home might indicate a rich lifestyle.

Personality Traits

Personality traits are another key component of round characters. Consider what makes your characters tick. What are their:

• Likes and dislikes
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Fears and aspirations

You can use these traits to create characters that feel authentic and relatable. With added flaws and quirks, your characters will look more real and human.

Background

Last but not least, add background history. It is essential for the audience to understand your characters’ motivations and behaviors. Explain every detail of their past and why they are doing what they are doing. Add both positive and negative experiences of their life.

Uncover the events that have shaped them into who they are today. This helps the audience understand where the characters come from and why they make the choices they do. It also uncovers how they evolve over the course of the story. Authors Breeze is the one writing company that follows these techniques and more in the best way.

Importance of Round Characters in Storytelling

Round characters are really important in stories. They make the tales more interesting and keep the readers hooked from beginning to end. We will tell you in detail why they matter so much and how they make our reading experiences better.

Interesting

Firstly, we connect with round characters more than any other character. They let us see things from their perspective. We get to understand their whole life, which includes:

• Hopes
• Fears
• Struggles

This makes us care about what happens to them. It builds interest and makes us want to keep reading to see how their stories turn out.

Relatable

One of the biggest reasons round characters are so captivating is that we can relate to them. We can also understand their feelings on a deeper level. They feel less like fictional characters to us. This is because they remind us of ourselves, flaws and all. When we see parts of ourselves in these characters, it helps us connect with the story on a deeper level.

Help Drive Plot

Round characters also move the story along. This is because they cause things to happen and resolve conflicts. Their actions and decisions push the story forward, which leads to the big moments. They are the ones who deal with their own problems and face challenges from the outside. Round characters drive the story towards its ending.

Common Misconceptions about Round Characters

There are some common misconceptions that writers encounter when creating well-rounded characters in literature. Here are some of the misconceptions explained in detail.

Virtuous Character

One of those is the idea that round characters must always be likeable or morally upright. However, it is not like that. It is not necessary for them to be morally upright. Round characters are those with depth and complexity. This means that they can also have flaws or morally ambiguous traits.

Making roundness with likability can limit some things. This includes a portrayal of characters. Authors or writers should not stop here and create characters who challenge traditional norms of virtue. You can get into the details of human nature and present your characters with a mix of qualities and flaws.

Focusing On Backstory

Another misconception is the overstressing of backstory in order to develop a round character. At the same time, a backstory can provide valuable insights into a character’s life. However, it should be added seamlessly into the plot. When your primary focus is on the background, you can disrupt the flow of the story. This can make the story uninteresting for the audience, which is a huge drawback.

It is important to balance depth with narrative pacing when you develop round characters. Writers must find the right balance between revealing character traits and advancing the plot. Integrating the backstory seamlessly into the story can help maintain momentum. This will also help build the reader’s interest and increase the reader’s understanding of the characters.

Despite the challenges of creating round characters, there are strategies to overcome them. Avoid the following mistakes, and you can make your characters shine. You should explore different angles of the characters and be open to making revisions as needed.

Round Character Example

If you still do not properly understand round characters, then here are some examples from real stories. We will discuss the famous literary characters. The two well-known characters for their complexity and depth are:

• Hamlet from William Shakespeare’s Tragedy Drama “Hamlet”
• Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Romance Novel “Pride and Prejudice.”

Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, is a classic example of a round character. He battles with many different things, such as:

• Existential questions
• Moral dilemmas
• Burden of avenging his father’s murder

His inner turmoil and complex relationship with other characters contribute to his multi-dimensional character. His different feelings that do not always match up make him interesting and mysterious.

Elizabeth Bennet, the main character in “Pride and Prejudice,” is a strong and independent woman. Even though she lives in a society with strict rules, she doesn’t follow them all. She’s smart, funny, and knows herself well. Her journey of learning about herself and changing, especially in her relationship with Mr Darcy, shows how interesting she is. Elizabeth isn’t perfect; she has flaws and weaknesses, but she’s also tough and can bounce back from tough situations. People from different times can relate to her.

Another great modern example is Walter White from “Breaking Bad.” At first, he seems like a normal guy, a high school teacher. But as the story goes on, he gets involved in crime and becomes someone who’s not clearly good or bad. The show dives deep into why he does what he does, showing how complicated people can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a round character?

A round character is someone who does not just have one side. They have many sides, such as:

• Being Smart
• Caring
• Funny

In addition, they have these emotions or traits all at once. Thus, they are not simple or one-dimensional.

What is a flat and round character example?

For example – Think of a villain who stays evil throughout the whole story. That is a flat character. But if there is a bully who changes and becomes friends with others. That is the one you call a round character. The distinction is because round characters develop and change.

What is the difference between a round and dynamic character?

Round characters are complex and believable, with many layers. Dynamic characters change during the story. Most round characters also change, but not all of them do.

Is Cinderella a round character?

Yes, Cinderella is a round character. Her life changes a lot, like when she has to live in the attic and serve her stepmother and stepsisters after her father dies. This shows there is much going on in her life. She has a complex character and changes over time.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of publishing your book, then you must understand what a round character is. In this guide, we have explained everything that has to do with round characters. We helped uncover the concept of round characters in depth by shedding light on their complexity and importance in storytelling. This explainer blog has explored their characteristics, development techniques, and significance of round characters.

Rounded characters make a story more compelling and engaging. Through examples from literature and media, such as Elizabeth Bennet and Walter White, we have highlighted the richness and depth of round characters. If you have any further questions about round characters, you can consult Authors Breeze.