Flat character的意思

"Flat character" is a literary term used to describe a character in a story or a play who is not well-developed and has little to no complexity or depth. These characters are often one-dimensional, meaning they have only a single, dominant trait that defines them, without any significant background, personality, or development throughout the story.

Flat characters are typically used to support the main characters or the plot, and they often serve as stereotypes or stock characters, such as the wise old man, the evil stepmother, or the comic relief. They may not undergo significant changes or growth during the course of the narrative, and their actions and dialogue are usually straightforward and predictable.

In contrast, "round characters" are those who are fully developed and complex, with multiple traits, motivations, and a rich inner life that is revealed through the story. Round characters can change and grow as the story progresses, and they often have a significant impact on the plot and the other characters.

The concept of flat and round characters was introduced by the literary critic E.M. Forster in his book "Aspects of the Novel" (1927), where he distinguished between these two types of character development.