Microsoft Word Seminars on stylistics

Round characters
Flat characters
usually one-sided, 
constructed round a single 
trait; if two characters have 
distinctly opposing 
features, one serves as 
a 
foil 
to the other, and the 
contrast between them 
becomes more apparent

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93
 
 
 
 
 
Round and flat characters have different functions in the conflict of the 
story.
The conflict
It may be external, i. e. between human beings 
or between man and the environment 
(individual against nature, individual against 
the established order/values in the society)
The 
internal conflict 
takes place 
in the mind, here the character is 
torn between opposing features of 
his personality.
The two parties in the conflict
the 
protagonist 
and 
his or her 
antagonist
Characterization
The description of the 
different aspects 
(physical, moral, social) 
of a character
When the author 
describes the character 
himself, or makes 
another do it
Direct 
characterization
The particular time and physical 

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94
Various functions of the 
setting in a given story 
To provide a realistic background 
To evoke the necessary atmosphere 
To help describe the characters indirectly 
 
 
Such details as 
the time of the year, certain parts of the landscape, the weather, 
colours, sounds or other seemingly uninteresting details
may be of great 
importance. 
The author's choice of characters, events, situations, details and his choice of 
words are by no means accidental.
When the author shows the character in 
action, and lets the reader judge for himself 
the author uses this method