A character that is built around a single idea or quality is a _______ character.

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the term used for a character built around a single idea, trait, or quality.

Step 2: Explain the concept In literary criticism, E. M. Forster's classification divides characters into two types:

• Flat characters are built around a single idea or quality. They are simple, predictable, and do not change during the story. Examples are Mrs. Micawber in Dickens, and stock characters such as the greedy merchant or the wicked stepmother.
• Round characters are complex and multi-dimensional. They show several traits, can surprise the reader, and often develop or change.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Heroic: This describes a character's nobility or courage, or a type of protagonist. It does not describe how a character is constructed.
• B. Flat: This matches the definition exactly. A flat character is built around one idea or quality.
• C. Choral: This relates to the chorus in Greek drama, which comments on the action. It is not a character type defined by a single trait.
• D. Sound: This is not a literary term for character type.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. flat.

Tip: Remember "Flat = One-note, Round = Rich." If a character can be summed up in one phrase (such as "the jealous husband"), the character is flat. Also remember the pair together, since WASSCE often asks about flat vs. round characters.