Final answer:
A flat character is two-dimensional and does not change, while a round character is complex and undergoes development. Examples include Mrs. Bennet as a flat character and Elizabeth Bennet as a round, dynamic character in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
In E.M. Forster's Aspects of the Novel, the concept of flat and round characters is used to classify different types of characters in literature. A flat character is usually two-dimensional, representing a singular idea or trait, and does not undergo significant change or development throughout the story. They can often be quickly summarized and remain constant throughout the narrative, serving as a contrast to more complex characters. On the other hand, a round character is fully developed and three-dimensional, often experiencing significant personal growth or change that reflects the unpredictable nature of real-life individuals. Dynamic characters are those that experience change, while static characters remain the same from beginning to end. Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice provides clear examples of these concepts, with Mrs. Bennet as a flat character and her daughter Elizabeth Bennet as a round, dynamic character who undergoes personal growth.