A character that develops in the course of a novel or play is described as

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term used for a character who develops or changes over the course of a story. It is about types of characters in literature.

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Flat character: A simple, one-dimensional character with a single trait or idea. This character does not change. Example: a minor character who is always greedy.
• Round character: A complex, realistic character with many traits, who grows, changes, or shows depth as the story goes on.
• Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the main character. This describes the character's role in the plot, not whether the character develops.
• Protagonist: The main character, around whom the story revolves. A protagonist may or may not develop, so the term does not mean "develops."

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Flat: does not develop, so it is wrong.
• B. Antagonist: describes a role of opposition, so it is wrong.
• C. Round: describes a developing, multi-dimensional character, so it fits.
• D. Protagonist: describes the central role, not development, so it is wrong.

Step 4: Answer A character who develops in the course of a novel or play is described as round.

Exam tip: Think "round = rounded out, full of depth and change," and "flat = flat like paper, with no depth." Some textbooks also call a developing character a "dynamic" character, but among these options "round" is the best match. Remember that protagonist and antagonist describe roles, while flat and round describe character depth.