Here's a breakdown:
* Caricature: A caricature is a portrait that exaggerates certain features of a person or object to create a humorous or satirical effect. In literature, a caricature character is one whose defining traits are emphasized to the point of absurdity. They often represent a specific personality type or social group.
* Type: A type is a character who embodies a common, often stereotypical, personality or role. These characters are easily recognizable and often represent a specific archetype, such as the "damsel in distress," the "mad scientist," or the "naive young man."
Examples:
* Caricature: A character who is always incredibly clumsy and trips over everything is a caricature of someone who is accident-prone.
* Type: A character who is a wealthy, spoiled, and arrogant socialite would be considered a type, representing the stereotype of a high-society person.
Important Note: While caricature and type characters can be humorous or satirical, they can also be used to highlight social issues and challenge stereotypes.
In general, caricature and type characters are not necessarily bad, but they should be used thoughtfully and with intention.