Flat characters are referred to as type or two-dimensional. The flat character is built around a single idea or quality and presented without much individualizing. The character can be described in a single sentence or even phrase. According to Abrams, M. H., A Glossary of Literary Terms "A well-rounded, well-developed character is complex in temperament and motivation and is presented with subtle particularity. Such a character is as difficult to describe with any adequacy as a person in real life and is capable of surprising us."

The question becomes: How do you take flat two-dimensional keyboard characters and turn them into characters that leap off the page in full-scale multifaceted dimensions? Is there a formula for stripping away the concealing layers that will reveal a well-rounded character?

Create characters from the inside out. Most characters are a hybrid of the people in our lives - friends, family, acquaintances and those who we may have only heard or read about.

One way to reveal character is to elicit the opinion of another character. This character becomes a sort of antagonist against your flawless protagonist character. The antagonist may have a reason to dislike, resent, or hold a grudge against the protagonist. When those reasons are revealed, we begin to see the real person, flaws and all. It is up to the writer to see those people for who they really are. People are not perfect like plastic mannequins or Barbie dolls. Characters without flaws get stuck on your page and have no place to go. They cannot change and they cannot grow. They cannot undergo any kind of metamorphosis or transformation.

To better understand how to create convincing characters, it helps to define their external traits. Behind the identifying label we better understand the intention and motivation for their behavior. The following character traits might prove to be a useful in identifying the character's qualities; then, once they emerge, they can become a catalyst for further development. You may ask yourself if your character is an extrovert or introvert, analytical or intuitive, a thinker or spontaneous with feelings, judgmental or perceptive, logical or careless.

You can determine their assertiveness level and decide whether they are passive or aggressive. Determining their primary focus can identify whether the character is task- or people-oriented. Each person possesses certain traits that others may find difficult to tolerate.

An analyzer might be a chronic complainer. Their intent is to get everything right. They have a strong need for approval but they are quite passive and could easily become overwhelmed by decisions. An aggressive ruler might be a know-it-all and may bulldoze others over in order to maintain control and authority. Their intent is to get things done. They need to be in control and are task-oriented. Someone who is a relater may have a difficult time with decision making. Their intent would be just to get along with other people. They have a strong need for approval and are very people-oriented. An aggressive entertainer type can also be a know-it-all. Their intent is to gain appreciation. They have a strong need for attention and can be direct and enthusiastic. They may even act like a human grenade, ready to explode at the drop of a hat.

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