Stock character facts for kids

A stock character is a type of fictional character that is easily recognized by an audience. These characters are often based on stereotypes. When you see a stock character in a play, novel, or film, you usually know a lot about them right away without needing a long explanation.

Stock characters are used in all kinds of stories, especially in comedy. They have been around for a very long time, even in Ancient Greek theatre. Think about movies like Star Wars; they have many examples of stock characters. These characters are often simple and easy to understand. Because they are so well-known, they can sometimes be used for parody (making fun of something) or seen as clichés (overused ideas).

Stock characters also help us understand what kind of story we are watching or reading. For example, a fairy tale or fantasy story often has a brave knight-errant as the hero and a wicked witch as the bad guy. These are common stock characters in those types of stories.

Why Are Stock Characters Used?

Stock characters are helpful for storytellers because they save time. Instead of spending a lot of time describing a character's personality, the writer can use a stock character, and the audience already gets the idea. This helps the story move faster.

Common Roles for Stock Characters

Sometimes, stock characters are used to give warnings to the main hero. These characters might seem unimportant, but their words can be very important for the story.

• In Shakespeare's play Macbeth, three mysterious witches warn Macbeth about his future. They tell him he won't be defeated "until Birnam wood move to high Dunsinane" and that "no man of woman born" can harm him. These warnings are key to the story.
• In the story of Julius Caesar, a beggar warns Caesar to "beware the Ides of March!" This warning hints at danger to come.

These characters often introduce the idea that some things are meant to happen, no matter what. This is called fatalism. It suggests that people might not always be in control of their own future. Even famous heroes like Achilles had a weakness.

Famous Last Words

When a hero or important character is defeated or dies, they sometimes say a final, memorable line. This is called a valediction, which means a farewell comment.

• When Julius Caesar was attacked, he famously said, "Et tu, Brute?" This means "Not you as well, Brutus?" He was surprised that his friend Brutus was part of the attack.
• Another famous example from Shakespeare is in the play Richard III. Richard's last cry is, "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!" This shows how desperate he was in battle.

These final words often become very famous and help us remember the character and their story.

Images for kids

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  Stock characters play an important role in fiction, including in fairy tales, which use stock characters such as the damsel in distress and Prince Charming (pictured is Sleeping Beauty).

See also

In Spanish: Personaje tipo para niños