facts about fiction

• Canadian psychologists Raymond Mar and Keith Oatley found that readers who immersed themselves in fictional books performed better on the empathy scale
• Fiction helps in making the world a better place by improving interpersonal understanding
• In fiction, the writer is not necessarily the storyteller
• Characterization in fiction includes:

  • Protagonist: the main character who drives the story forward by pursuing a goal and facing obstacles from the antagonist
  • Antagonist: the character or force that opposes the protagonist
• Dynamic Character:

  • Undergoes major inner change over the course of a story
  • Transformation is shown through a development in personality, behavior, perspective, or understanding
• Static Character:

  • Does not undergo substantial changes in beliefs and personality as a result of plot developments
  • Can be flat or round characters
• Round Character:

  • Complex personality with depth in feelings and passions, similar to real people
• Flat Character:

  • Character with little to no complex emotions, motivations, or personality
  • Does not undergo any change to make them more well-rounded