what the author straight-out tells you through the words
Indirect Characterization
author reveals aspects of the character through what the character does, says, appears, thinks/feels, etc; (the reader must use his/her powers of observation in order to understand this type of characterization)
Protagonist
The "Good" Guy (the main character of the story)
Antagonist
The "Bad" Guy (goes agains the main character)
Flat
not a complicated character to understand
Round
complicated characters (may have conflicting motives), more realistic; reader understands more of their ideas, beliefs, hopes/dreams, etc.
Foil
a character that contrasts with the main character that helps the reader be more aware of some important characteristic of the main character
anti-hero
a "villan" or underdog that the reader still roots for
Dynamic
characters who change over the course of the story ("grows up")
Static
characters who don't change throughout the story; they stay the same