definition of flat character in literature

She remains passive, never acts on her own until she becomes a victim herself. Thus, throughout the narrative, she proves her flat character and does not transform. She arranges a meeting with Hamlet, so that Claudius could spy on him, and also lets Polonius remain behind the curtains to hear the conversation between them. Gertrude is a weak character, whom Claudius and Polonius have used for their own interests. She behaves like a tool of fate in the whole tragedy, even when she stops Hamlet from going back to Wittenberg for studies. Gertrude has no idea why Hamlet is upset about her marriage. Outwardly, Queen Gertrude seems to be a caring mother of Hamlet, but inwardly she is a weak-willed lady, who walks blindly through her life, is not aware that Claudius has trapped her by murdering her husband, or that he has seized her husband’s throne. They are often referred to as one- or two-dimensional characters, usually having one perspective or point of view about life, things, or events.Įxamples of Flat Characters in Literature Example #1: Gertrude from Hamlet (William Shakespeare).They have recognizable characteristics that make them appear stereotypical.They do not go through a substantial growth or transformation in the course of the narrative.The role of flat characters is to support the main character.The audience does not know much about these characters, because the writer does not provide detailed information about them. According to Foster, a flat character is a simple character, shown by the author as having just one or two qualities, which generally remain the same throughout the story, not undergoing significant growth or changes.

Foster has discussed some features of flat characters in his book, Aspects of the Novel. Flat characters are often said not to have any emotional depth.Į. A flat character is a type of character in fiction that does not change too much from the start of the narrative to its end.

Definition of flat character in literature