Back in language arts class in elementary school, one of the lessons that we learned was the difference between flat and round characters in books. We learned about how round characters go through some sort of change or journey throughout the story, while flat characters aren’t as significant, but still add to the overall story. While this lesson was useful on our language arts quizzes, most of us left this idea on our quiz papers and moved on.
The flat and round characters from our first chapter books are all dusty and boxed away in the back of our minds. But maybe that lesson is more useful than we may have originally thought. In our lives, flat and round characters pop up all the time –– but differentiating between them can sometimes be blurry. It’s important to know which people in your life deserve to be round characters, and who is on our team of flat characters.
Round Characters
Round characters are those in your life who have seen you go through a change, as well as you have seen them go through a change. Whether that’s your sister, high school best friend, or a college roommate, being alongside each other through the changes that come with growing up and adulthood bonds you together. Similarly, with book characters, round characters are with the main character through some form of change, whether an exciting or difficult one. These are the relationships that you feel comfortable in, the friends who you can call and know will pick up or the family member you want to tell exciting news to. Round characters in real life are bonded with you through changes.
Flat Characters
As for flat characters, these are ones that you might choose to keep in the background. These are the friends you say hi to at the bars, but who maybe aren’t part of your inner circle. These are the friends that you catch up with from time to time, but who you may not tell your deepest-darkest secret to.
Flat characters are still important to have. They can be someone fun to hang out with on a Friday night, while also not feeling the need to reach out to 24/7. These are the friends who you can go months without seeing, but still be friendly with when you happen to run into them. In books, flat characters are supposed to be the background decorations that help compliment the main character. So, appreciate those friends who you see now and again who always have something nice to say.
Switching Between the Two
While this doesn’t necessarily exist in the book world, in the real world, sometimes a former round character in your life deserves to become a flat one. With friendships, significant others and family, there can be relationships that simply need to take a step back. As we evolve and change, so do our flat and round characters. If someone in your inner circle is making your journey harder, it is ok to move them into your flat characters category. They can still be someone who you say hi to on the street or grab lunch with occasionally, but if they are not there for you the way a round character should be, then it’s time for some space.
The opposite can be true as well. Perhaps in your lowest moments, a flat character steps up, even though they didn’t have to. This evolution from a flat to a round character can make for some of the best relationships. So, never count out someone in the background –– they may end up becoming an even better round character for you.
Making these distinctions between flat and round characters can help you better assess what a good relationship is to you. When reevaluating relationships, decide which people have been beside you through your changes and evolutions, and who you have been beside through their journey.
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