5 Examples of Round Characters in Literature and Film

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

One of the marvels of literature and film is the creation of round characters. These are the characters that stick with us long after we've finished the book or left the theater, the characters that feel as real as our own friends and family. They are not defined by a single trait or action, but showcase a spectrum of emotions, ambitions, strengths, and weaknesses, just like real human beings. When you wonder "which scenario portrays a round character?", these characters often spring to mind. They grow and evolve, learn from their experiences, and face their challenges head-on, just like we do in our own lives. In this blog, we will delve into five unforgettable examples of round characters from literature and film.

1. Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, the young narrator of Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird", is a perfect example of a round character. Over the course of the novel, we witness Scout's transformation from a naive young girl to a more understanding and empathetic individual. Let's delve into the scenarios that portray Scout as a round character.

Personal Evolution

Scout begins the novel as an innocent, curious, and somewhat tomboyish six-year-old. However, as she experiences the injustices and prejudices of her small Southern town, her understanding of the world around her changes. By the end of the novel, she has gained a more mature perspective on life and people, demonstrating her personal evolution.

Empathy Build-Up

Scout's empathy is another key aspect of her character development. Initially, she struggles to understand people who are different from her. However, with the guidance of her father, Atticus, she gradually learns to empathize with others, regardless of their background or circumstances. This is evident when she eventually empathizes with Boo Radley, a character she initially fears due to his reclusive lifestyle.

Courage Display

Scout displays remarkable courage throughout the novel, whether it's standing up to schoolyard bullies or attempting to understand the complex racial dynamics of her town. Her courage is especially evident in the face of injustice — she doesn't shy away from questioning the unfair treatment of African Americans in her town. This courage, coupled with her evolving empathy and understanding, further exemplify her status as a round character.

Through her personal evolution, empathy build-up, and courage display, Scout Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic example of a round character. Her transformation throughout the story perfectly showcases the complexity of human nature and the process of coming of age.

2. Harry Potter from "The Harry Potter Series"

Harry Potter, the protagonist of J.K. Rowling's renowned series, is another quintessential round character. He's not just the boy who lived; he's a character who grows, faces fears, and evolves from an ordinary boy into a brave and selfless hero. Let's explore the scenarios that portray Harry Potter as a round character.

Emotional Maturation

When we first meet Harry, he's a neglected orphan living under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's house. But as he discovers his magical heritage and enters the world of Hogwarts, he begins to grow and mature emotionally. He experiences various emotions—joy, fear, anger, and sadness—and learns to cope with them. This is evident when he faces the death of his loved ones and overcomes the trauma of his past.

Leadership Aptitude

Harry's leadership skills emerge as the series progresses. Initially, he's an unsure boy, unaware of his importance in the wizarding world. But as he faces various challenges—battling monsters, solving riddles, and confronting dark wizards—he steps up to lead. He even starts Dumbledore's Army, teaching his peers to defend themselves, a clear display of his growing leadership aptitude.

Resilience Showcase

Harry's resilience is one of his most defining traits. Despite the series of unfortunate events in his life—the loss of his parents, the continuous threat from Voldemort, the pressure of being the 'Chosen One'—he never gives up. He faces his fears head-on and continues to fight, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Through his emotional maturation, leadership aptitude, and resilience showcase, Harry Potter turns from an ordinary boy into a hero who's not only brave and powerful but also kind and compassionate. He embodies the essence of a round character—one who learns, grows, and evolves through their experiences. And that's what makes him one of the most beloved characters in literature.

3. Elizabeth Bennet from "Pride and Prejudice"

Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist of Jane Austen's classic novel, "Pride and Prejudice," is a prime example of a round character. Her journey of self-discovery, love acceptance, and overcoming pride provides a compelling case study of which scenario portrays a round character.

Pride Overcome

Elizabeth starts the novel with a strong sense of pride, particularly when it comes to her judgments of others. This is most evident in her initial disdain for Mr. Darcy—she's quick to judge him as arrogant and rude. But as the story unfolds, Elizabeth realizes her errors and overcomes her pride, admitting that her judgments were misguided.

Love Acceptance

Initially, Elizabeth is firm in her refusal of Mr. Darcy's proposal, believing him to be the last man she could ever marry. However, as she learns more about his true character and his actions behind the scenes, she begins to see him in a new light. This change in her feelings and her eventual acceptance of his second proposal shows her growth and development as a character.

Self-Realization

Elizabeth's journey is not just about overcoming pride or accepting love; it's also about self-realization. As she navigates through societal norms, family pressures, and personal prejudices, she learns more about herself. She comes to recognize her faults and becomes a better version of herself, showcasing the true essence of a round character.

Elizabeth Bennet, with her dynamic character and personal evolution, embodies the very definition of a round character. Her journey from being a prejudiced young woman to a self-aware and loving wife provides a perfect answer to the question—'which scenario portrays a round character?'

4. Andy Dufresne from "The Shawshank Redemption"

Another exemplary round character is Andy Dufresne from the acclaimed film, "The Shawshank Redemption". His journey of maintaining hope, attaining freedom, and cultivating friendship in a rather grim setting further illustrates which scenario portrays a round character.

Hope Maintain

Throughout his time in Shawshank Prison, Andy consistently clings to hope, even amidst the harsh realities of prison life. His hope is not just a quiet, internal force; it influences those around him, most notably his friend Red. This unwavering hope in face of adversity adds depth to his character and showcases his resilience.

Freedom Attain

Andy's pursuit of freedom is a central theme in the film. His longing for freedom is both physical—his escape from Shawshank—and intellectual—his establishment of the prison library. Andy's journey towards freedom, achieved through ingenious plotting and unyielding determination, paints a vivid picture of a round character.

Friendship Cultivate

Andy's friendship with Red is a significant element of his character development. In the desolate environment of Shawshank, their friendship is a beacon of human connection and empathy. Through this relationship, Andy displays his capacity for trust, loyalty, and compassion.

Andy Dufresne, with his perseverance, resourcefulness, and capacity for friendship, stands as a robust example of a round character. His extraordinary journey within the confines of Shawshank Prison provides a rich, distinct, and resonating answer to the inquiry—'which scenario portrays a round character?'

5. Simba from "The Lion King"

Our final example is a beloved character from the animated world—Simba from Disney's "The Lion King". Simba's journey from a young, carefree cub to a responsible and courageous king is another compelling scenario that portrays a round character.

Responsibility Acknowledgement

In the beginning, Simba shirks responsibility and embraces a carefree lifestyle with Timon and Pumbaa. However, as he matures, he understands the importance of facing his duties. His transition from the mantra "Hakuna Matata" to accepting his rightful place as king shows his growth and depth as a character.

Self-Doubt Conquer

Simba grapples with self-doubt and guilt, especially after his father's death. He blames himself for the tragedy and struggles with his self-image. However, with guidance from Rafiki and the love of Nala, Simba overcomes his self-doubt, showing a significant internal transformation, a hallmark of a round character.

Kingdom Reclaim

Simba's decision to reclaim his kingdom from Scar takes courage and determination. This act not only demonstrates his bravery but also his commitment to justice and his people. It is the final step in his journey from a playful cub to a responsible and wise king.

Simba's transformation throughout "The Lion King" provides a rich and engaging example of a round character. His evolution from a carefree cub to a responsible king defines which scenario portrays a round character, making him an unforgettable character in the realm of animation.

If you're fascinated by the depth and complexity of round characters in literature and film, don't miss the workshop 'Creating Characters: The Design Process' by Kit Buss. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating captivating and well-rounded characters that will bring your stories to life and resonate with your audience.