The definition of a round character is: “seen as complex and undergoes development throughout the story.” Foster explains that this complexity is usually in only one aspect or subject of the character’s life. In chapter ten of “How to Read Literature Like a Professor,” Thomas C. Foster brings to our attention the substance (or lack there of) in the characters of fictional stories.
Human beings- real ones, that is- are the only subjects that be TRULY round due to the many aspects of our lives. For example, Foster explains, that villains can not have a sweet side to them that will not be taken advantage of. If these characters had more aspects to their life and personality, the story would include a whole lot of useless, boring information that would only help to disengage readers. The reason Voldemort is so exciting to readers, is because he is depicted to be a soulless, ruthless, evil that has dedicated his life to see the demise of Harry Potter. If Voldemort had a cute grandmother who made candles, and still cooks dinners for Lil’Voldy, he would not be seen as so cut-throat anymore. This is why we hire lawyers to represent us in court. We all have aspects of our lives that can be exploited, and be used to other’s advantage. Every trait a character has, on the other hand, is present for a reason. Authors write in certain qualities so that they can be used later in the story. (So if you notice any interesting descriptions or secrets being revealed about a character, expect those details to be used later in the story.)
My costume construction teacher is Voldemort. But more of a Lil’Voldy rather than the classic Voldemort with the ruthlessness and lack of nasal structure… As you enter her classroom as a Freshman, she tries her very best- and succeeds- to scare the breath out of you. I have concluded that this method of discipline is to frighten students to the point that they never get comfortable enough to mess around and deliberately disobey her. After you are her student for long enough, you start to understand what things cause her to melt the facade of a crabby teacher to reveal her soft, mushy, personality. Foster is very correct in claiming that characters are not real… at all. All human beings, no matter how rough and rude they may seem from the outside, has a soft spot. We are the real round characters.
Foster also discusses the unfortunate scenarios that normally unfold when a character is the hero’s BFF. When nothing else effects the main character- because he is obviously the strongest, most courageous person in the whole world- his best friend, closest advisor, or dearest confidant is then messed with (or killed) to stimulate the main character’s Sympathetic Nervous System and prepare him to fight for, and defend the spirit of his lost mate. This comparison reminded me of Destiny’s Child, the musical trio that Beyonce eventually separated from. The other two members of Destiny’s Child, Kelly and Michelle, were eventually killed off of pop music’s world stage by Beyonce’s overshadowing talent and charisma. (yes, I am a fan.) Despite their efforts to be equal parts of this famed trio, Beyonce eventually had to choose her personal success over the bond the group had formed over eight years of working with each other. This topic is still one of the most sensitive in the musical entertainment industry. Does Beyonce deserve the fame and success? Unfortunately that’s what happens when you choose to stand next to the hero.
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| Kelly and Michelle (as seen here, standing next to the hero) |
