By Role in the Story:
* Protagonist: The main character, often the hero or heroine. Their journey drives the plot.
* Examples: Harry Potter (Harry Potter series), Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games), Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice)
* Antagonist: The character who opposes the protagonist. They create conflict and obstacles.
* Examples: Lord Voldemort (Harry Potter series), President Snow (The Hunger Games), Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
* Supporting Characters: Characters who provide context, help the protagonist, or create conflict.
* Examples: Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series), Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne (The Hunger Games), Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley (Pride and Prejudice)
* Foil Character: A character whose traits contrast with the protagonist, highlighting the protagonist's qualities.
* Examples: Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter series), Johanna Mason (The Hunger Games), Mr. Collins (Pride and Prejudice)
* Dynamic Character: A character who undergoes significant change or growth throughout the story.
* Examples: Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, Elizabeth Bennet
* Static Character: A character who remains relatively unchanged throughout the story.
* Examples: Ron Weasley, Peeta Mellark, Mr. Bingley
By Characterization:
* Round Character: Complex, multi-faceted characters with realistic flaws, motivations, and inner conflicts.
* Examples: Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, Elizabeth Bennet
* Flat Character: Simpler characters with fewer traits, often serving a specific purpose in the story.
* Examples: Draco Malfoy, President Snow, Mr. Collins
* Stock Character: Stereotypical characters who are easily recognizable and have common traits, often used for comic effect or to provide a familiar element.
* Examples: The damsel in distress, the wise old mentor, the goofy sidekick
By Archetype:
* Hero: A brave and selfless character who embodies the ideals of courage, strength, and sacrifice.
* Examples: Beowulf, King Arthur, Luke Skywalker
* Villain: A character driven by evil, often with a twisted sense of morality or a desire for power.
* Examples: Darth Vader, Maleficent, the Wicked Witch of the West
* Trickster: A playful and cunning character who disrupts the status quo and challenges authority.
* Examples: Robin Hood, Puck (A Midsummer Night's Dream), Loki (Marvel Universe)
* Mentor: A wise and experienced character who guides and supports the protagonist.
* Examples: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Gandalf (Lord of the Rings), Dumbledore (Harry Potter series)
By Psychological Traits:
* Introvert: A character who is quiet, reserved, and prefers solitude.
* Extrovert: A character who is outgoing, sociable, and enjoys being around people.
* Narcissistic: A character with an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy.
* Empathetic: A character who is able to understand and share the feelings of others.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it provides a framework for understanding the different ways characters can be portrayed in writing. Ultimately, the types of characters a writer chooses to create depend on the story they want to tell and the effect they want to achieve.