In literature, flat characters don’t change throughout the story. Instead, one or two-dimensional characters often serve as a foil to more complex characters. Flat characters are essential in writing because they provide contrast and help move the plot forward.
This blog post will discuss flat characters and how to use them in your writing.
What is a flat character, and what are its distinguishing features?
A flat character is a literary device writers use to create contrast within a story. They are often used to further the plot or as foils to more complex characters. Flat characters are two-dimensional, meaning they typically have one or two defining traits.
You can find flat characters in all stories, from comedies to dramas. They are often used as supporting characters but can also be the main character. While they may not be as complex as round characters, they still play an important role in the story.
Examples of flat characters
The sidekick
The sidekick is typically loyalty personified and exists to support the main character. As a result, they often do not develop much outside of their relationship with the protagonist.
One example of a sidekick in thrillers is the character of M in the James Bond movies. M is typically a no-nonsense yet supportive figure who advises 007 on his missions and provides backup when needed.
Another example is Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes’s trusty sidekick who often assists him in solving crimes. Watson comes through as bumbling and naive, but he’s also loyal and helpful when it matters most.
The love interest
The love interest character is someone who lacks dimension or development and who exists solely to further the plot. They are often one-dimensional and stereotypical and serve as a mere plot device to create tension or conflict in the story. Some common examples include the jilted lover, the romantic rival, or the unsuspecting best friend.
One example of a love interest character is the wife in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. She is little more than a prop in the film and is there only to motivate her husband to commit murder.
Other examples might include minor characters in thrillers like secretaries or assistants who are there mainly to be interacted with by the protagonist but have no real backstory or character development.
The villain
This character is the embodiment of all that is evil and works against the main character. Like love interests, they are often one-dimensional.
One example of a villain character in thrillers would be the Joker in The Dark Knight. He had very few lines and not much backstory, and his only goal was to cause chaos.
Another example would be the character of Mrs. Danvers in Rebecca. She was obsessed with her deceased mistress and did everything she could to make Rebecca’s husband miserable.
Other examples of villain characters in thrillers would include Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs or Alex DeLarge from A Clockwork Orange.
The comic relief
This character exists to provide fun in the story and is often caricature-like in their personality.
One example of a comic relief character in a thriller is the character of J. Wellington Wimpy in the Popeye cartoons. He’s always trying to find creative ways to get out of work or make easy money, but he’s also very gullible and tends to get caught up in schemes that are too good to be true. His bumbling antics provide a bit of comic relief during tense moments in the cartoons, and he ultimately proves himself to be a loyal friend.
Another example is the character of Q in the James Bond movies. He’s an eccentric scientist who often provides 007 with gadgets and technology that help him overcome his enemies. His role is usually comic relief, but he also provides some helpful insights into the Bond universe.
How to use flat characters to your advantage in your writing, and why it’s essential to do so
There are all sorts of ways to use flat characters to your advantage in writing. Flat characters can be extremely helpful in creating a well-rounded story with believable and interesting characters. Here are a few examples:
Use flat characters to represent stereotypes or clichés:
This can be a great way to add irony to your story, and it can also help you to explore social issues and cultural norms in a more subtle way.
Use flat characters as foils for your main character:
This is a great way to highlight the protagonist’s personality and motivations, and it can also add tension and conflict to the story.
Use flat characters as vehicles for exposition:
If you need to convey a lot of information to the reader, using a flat character as a “mouthpiece” can be a helpful way to do so without info-dumping.
Use flat characters to simplify complex situations:
If your story is tackling a lot of different plot threads or themes, flat characters can help to focus the reader’s attention on what’s most important.
Use flat characters to add humor to your story:
Because they lack personality and depth, flat characters can be used for comic relief or as part of a parody.
Use flat characters to add nuance and complexity to a story:
For example, to show the complexities of family life, you could use a flat character who is nothing like the protagonist. This can add tension and show how difficult it can be to get along with some family members.
Use flat characters to explore different sides of a character or highlight the differences between people:
For example, if you want to explore the difference between two people, you could create a flat character who is the opposite of the protagonist. This will make it easier for readers to see the differences between them and understand why they might not get along.
Here are some examples of flat characters in literature and film
One of the most well-known flat characters in literature is Sherlock Holmes. He’s known for being a character with very little internal conflict and who mainly relies on logic to solve crimes.
Other examples of flat characters can be found in children’s stories, like The Cat in the Hat or Alice in Wonderland, where the characters are simple and one-dimensional.
In The Great Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan is a perfect example of a flat character. She is beautiful and aloof, and her only purpose in the story is to contrast with the more complex characters around her.
Other flat characters include the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and Snape in the Harry Potter series. These characters are one-dimensional and serve to further the plot or create contrast.
How to create a believable and compelling flat character for your work of fiction or nonfiction writing
– One way to create a believable and compelling flat character is to give them a clear motivation, which could be something as simple as wanting to get revenge or needing to save someone. Understanding what drives your character makes them more relatable and sympathetic, even if they are one-dimensional.
– Another way to create a compelling flat character is to give them a unique voice. You could do this through their dialogue, inner monologue, or the way they narrate the story. By making your character’s voice distinct, you can help them stand out from the other characters in your story and make them more memorable.
– Finally, you can use physical descriptions and actions to help flesh out a flat character. By giving your character a few key personality traits and physical characteristics, you can make them more attractive and three-dimensional.
Flat character vs round character – what’s the difference, and which one should you use for your story or novel?
A flat character is a two-dimensional character that has not been fully developed. This character is usually just one or two sides of a coin without depth or complexity. A round character is three-dimensional, with multiple sides and layers to their personality.
So which one should you use for your story? It depends on what kind of story you’re telling. Flat characters are probably your best bet if you want to create a fast-paced, action-packed story. They’re easier to write, and readers can easily understand them.
On the other hand, if you want to tell a slower, more character-driven story, round characters are probably a better choice.
Conclusion
Flat characters are an essential tool in any writer’s arsenal, and understanding how to use them is key to creating believable and compelling fiction or nonfiction. While they may not be the lead character in your story, flat characters can help move the plot along, provide comic relief, or serve as a foil for the other characters. When used correctly, flat characters can add depth and dimension to any work of writing.
I hope this was helpful!
If you’re working on your first novel and are looking for more help with your writing, please check out my other articles at https://ullahakanson.com/blog/
Thanks for reading!
Ulla