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One-dimensional characters are plain, simple and
unexplained. Readers or viewers briefly “see” one-dimensional characters
but these characters do not speak. The one-dimensional characters are usually
cashiers, salespeople, drivers, servers, nurses, joggers, or the person walking
down the street pushing a stroller.
Two-dimensional characters are similar to
one-dimensional characters except two-dimensional characters use speech or
gestures to react to what is going on around them Still, two-dimensional
characters are undeveloped and lack explanation, reason and depth.
Two-dimensional character reactions and interactions are often brief, but not
always. A character may be present the majority of the time, but when s/he
lacks history/backstory and complexity, the character is two-dimensional.
An effective, well-rounded, believable fictional
character usually has three dimensions:
- thoughts
- emotions; and
- actions.
In screenwriting, the three dimensions are frequently
described as:
- physiology;
- sociology; and
- psychology.
Three-dimensional characters have goals, ambitions,
desires, motivating forces, fears and values. In addition, they have
habits, mannerisms, cultural tendencies and styles that are audible or visible
to others. In other words, a 3-D character has an inside and an outside.
Flat, misused or poorly developed characters are the
best way to lose reader interest. Here are some tips for creating
three-dimensional characters:
A fully developed character has three dimensions:
1) Thoughts, 2)
Emotions, and 3) Actions.
Think of a brainy professor character who thinks, but never shows emotion and never does anything. He's a character type. Think of a grieving widow - all emotion, no thoughts, and no actions. Think of a tough cop - all action, no thoughts, and no emotions. All are character types. All are incomplete characters. All are boring stereotypes
