In this writing Fred White discusses what he credits E. M. Foster (Aspects of the Novel) with calling "flat" and "round" charters. According to White flat characters are those that can be described in one simple sentence and he gives as an example the character, Mrs. Micawber, in David Copperfield. While, his description of a round character as someone who is much more complex such as Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair who White saw as both traditional heroine and traditional villain.
"For Further Reflection": Here White states that just like real life, authors create characters who are "more allegoical embodiments of certain virtues or vices"; as well as those characters that are much more complex and at times inconsistent or unpredictable.
The "Try This" assignment:
In your journal, set aside four---pages two of them labeled "flat characters" and the other two "round characters". Now compose two character profiles for each type. Remember that the flats will embody a certain type: the con artist, the fanatic. Rounds will not fit into a mold.
I have added these four page labels to my composition book and when time permits will work on the assignment, or when such an assignment will fit into the story I am working on.
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