Direct or Indirect
This category looks at what the character says and how they speak. Example: A character mutters, “I hate everyone here,” under their breath.
What is Speech?
This character opposes the main character (protagonist) and creates obstacles for them. Example: They are often considered “the villain” but can sometimes just have different goals than the main character.
What is Antagonist?
This type of conflict happens when the main obstacle comes from another individual. Example: Two rival kings battle for control of the same throne.
What is Character vs. Character?
First-person Point of View (POV) is when the narrator is a character in the story who tells the events from their own perspective.
Uses pronouns like “I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” and “our.”
The reader can see, hear, and feel only what this narrator experiences.
It gives the story a personal and emotional tone, but the narrator can be biased or unreliable.
This category shows what the character is thinking or feeling inside. Example: A character secretly hopes no one finds out they’re lying.
What is Thoughts?
This character does not change throughout the story. Example: Their personality and beliefs remain the same from beginning to end.
What is Static Character?
Static = does not change
Flat = not complex
In this conflict type, the opponent isn’t human at all. Example: A sailor struggles to survive when his ship sinks during a hurricane.
What is Character vs. Nature?
What is Second-person POV? What pronoun(s) are used?
Second-person Point of View is when the writer talks directly to the reader.
It uses the word “you.”
It makes you feel like you are the main character in the story.
Example: You open the door and step into the dark room.
This category focuses on how other characters react to someone. Example: Everyone goes silent and nervous when this character enters the room.
What is Effects on Others?
This character changes or grows as a result of the story’s events. Example: By the end of the story, their thoughts, feelings, or actions are different from the beginning.
What is Dynamic Character?
Round = complex and detailed
Dynamic = changes over time
This conflict type shows someone standing up to cultural expectations, laws, or traditions. Example: A young girl challenges her village’s ancient law that forbids women from learning to read.
What is Character vs. Society?
What does Third-Person Limited POV mean? What do they know?
It means the narrator is outside the story and uses “he,” “she,” “they,” but knows the thoughts and feelings of only one character.
This category studies what the character actually does. Example: The character gives away their lunch even though they are starving.
What is Actions?
This character is complex with many traits, emotions, and motivations. Example: They feel like a real person with strengths, weaknesses, and contradictions.
What is Round Character?
Round = complex and detailed
Dynamic = changes over time
This conflict takes place entirely inside a character’s mind or heart. Example: A hero secretly wonders if they are worthy to be the captain of the basketball team.
What is Character vs. Self?
What does Third-Person Omniscient POV mean? What do they know?
It means the narrator is outside the story and knows the thoughts and feelings of all the characters. They are “all-knowing.”
Example: She hoped he would call. He, however, had already forgotten her name.
This category includes the character’s appearance, clothing, or body language (including facial expressions). Example: The character avoids eye contact and always slouches.
What is Looks?
This character is simple, with one or two traits and little depth. Example: They usually stay the same and are easy to describe in a single sentence.
What is Flat Character?
Static = does not change
Flat = not complex
This conflict occurs when a character battles ghosts, gods, or magic forces. Example: A detective investigates a haunting that cannot be explained by science.
What is Character vs. Supernatural?
What does Third-Person Objective POV mean? What do they know?
It means the narrator is outside the story and can only tell what is seen and heard. They do not know anyone’s thoughts or feelings.
Example: She crossed her arms and stared at the floor. He looked away and said nothing.