Round Character Examples

A round character is a character that is well-developed in the story. The reader knows details about this character because they are important to the plot and to how this character's actions advance the plot. In other words, a round character is more complex, and like a real person, the character has depth and emotion.

A round character is the opposite of a flat character, which is not developed by the author. A round character can be static (remaining the same throughout the story) or dynamic (changes as a result of the story).

Examples of Round Characters from Literature:

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the main character Elizabeth Bennett is a round character. We learn much about Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings, and even how her pride stands in the way, initially, of her feelings for Mr. Darcy.

In S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, Ponyboy is a round character. Ponyboy's thoughts and feelings paint him as not a "typical greaser," and the reader is able to better understand the prejudice and stereotyping between the greasers and the socs because of Ponyboy's complexity.

J.K. Rowling develops Harry Potter as a round character throughout the series. The reader learns much about Harry-his background, his feelings, and how the circumstances of his parents' deaths link him to Voldemort.

Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird is a round character. Through Scout's complex thoughts and feelings as a young girl navigating the Jim Crow South, the reader comes to understand the unfair nature of Tom Robinson's trial and the complexity of human nature and society.

In the Star Wars series, Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader) is a round character. Throughout the series of movies, we see Anakin as a little boy and a young man overcome with fear of losing the love of his life. Because of the depth and complexity of Anakin, the viewer comes to understand his turn to the "dark side." We also see him reconcile with his son at the end of Return of the Jedi.