Here are a few common ways characters are presented:
1. Dynamic vs. Static:
* Dynamic characters: Grow and change throughout the story, often in response to challenges and new experiences. They learn, make mistakes, and develop as people. Think of Harry Potter or Elizabeth Bennet.
* Static characters: Remain largely the same throughout the story. They might serve a specific purpose, like providing comic relief or embodying a certain virtue or flaw. Examples include Mr. Collins in *Pride and Prejudice* or Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series.
2. Round vs. Flat:
* Round characters: Complex and multifaceted, with internal conflicts, desires, and motivations. They feel real and believable. Examples include Holden Caulfield from *The Catcher in the Rye* or Atticus Finch from *To Kill a Mockingbird*.
* Flat characters: More one-dimensional, often serving as a foil to the main character or representing a particular idea or archetype. Examples include the Wicked Witch of the West or the stereotypical "damsel in distress."
3. Protagonist vs. Antagonist:
* Protagonist: The central character, often the one the reader identifies with. Their journey is the heart of the story.
* Antagonist: The character who stands in the way of the protagonist's goals, creating conflict and driving the plot forward.
4. Realistic vs. Archetypal:
* Realistic characters: Portrayed as ordinary people with believable flaws and strengths. They feel like someone you might meet in real life.
* Archetypal characters: Represent universal figures or symbols, often with exaggerated traits. Think of the hero, the villain, the wise mentor, or the trickster.
Ultimately, the best way to describe how characters are usually in novels is to say they are varied, complex, and tailored to the specific story being told. The author chooses how to present their characters based on the story's themes, genre, and overall purpose.