

Their presence allows authors to show the complexity of their main character. Purpose: While not always the most interesting, flat characters are necessary for any literary work. Relating to characters makes them memorable to the reader.Īuthors use flat characters for the following reasons: Readers are more attentive to characters who have virtues and vices, much like they do. Memorable: Authors want their readers to identify and sympathize/empathize with the characters they create. Readers become interested in how the character responds, as round characters are not as predictable as flat ones.

When round characters interact with more simplistic characters, authors attempt to create suspense, as the result of those interactions is what helps develop the main character. Interest: Readers find complex characters much more interesting than simple ones. Realistic: Round characters are true to life, as people in real life are complex and not defined by a single trait. However, the irony is that others accuse him for his hot temperament and wild attitude.Authors use round characters for the following reasons:

Benvolio’s purpose is to support Romeo to get married to Juliet. He is temperate, solid, and loyal, who always tries to maintain peace and harmony between the two families. Example #4: Benvolio from Romeo and Juliet (By William Shakespeare)īenvolio is another flat character, who remains unchanged throughout the play. Thus, she does not transform throughout this play, proving her as a flat character from beginning to the end. She does not judge her husband, and assures him that she would support him for any decision he makes. Though she feels dejected due to John’s cheating, she does not turn against him despite his wrongdoing.Įlizabeth Proctor is basically an honest person who, when John asks for her recommendation as to whether he should confess his sin, she leaves the decision to him. Whatever happens in the story, she stays faithful to her husband, John Proctor. Another example of flat character is The Crucible‘s Elizabeth Proctor, who is a self-righteous woman, who always believes in doing something right.
