One particular criterion character effectively supports the central idea of ​​Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle." The character's type develops as the personality develops throughout the story. Three types of characters appear in most stories: round, flat and stock. The round character shows a fully developed personality and full emotions. Flat characters, also known as secondary characters, do not fully develop or express complex emotions. A stock character, also known as a stereotype, fits an established characterization from real life or literature. With these three types of characters guiding the reader through the story, the reader learns about the events that unfold as well as the changes in the characters' lives. The author keeps the reader informed about changes affecting the characters throughout the narrative through style. When a character undergoes a fundamental change in nature or personality over the course of the story, the character has a dynamic style. However, an unmodified character defines a static character. Although all characters have a style and type, sometimes understanding the differences seems complicated. A chart often helps establish a better understanding of the character's type and style. The author uses one main character, at most two; only the protagonist and antagonist exist as main characters. “Rip Van Winkle,” Washington Irving uses one main character to play both the protagonist and antagonist roles. In paragraph three lines, six and seven, the reader meets the protagonist. “…a simple, good-natured boy named Rip Van Winkle” In paragraphs five and nine, lines one and two, and one and four respectively, the reader meets the antagonist. "The great mistake in Rip's composition was an insurmountable aversion to any kind of work." “…Rip would rather starve on a penny than work for a pound.” Although, in both cases where the reader meets Rip Van Winkle, Rip only counts as the main character. Characterization occurs when the author draws an overall picture of the characters. Characterization occurs in two ways in literature, by description and personality. The author uses the words a story to describe a character or imply the appearance of the characters through the text of the story. Presenting the character's personality to the reader with words gives or describes the characters personality or the words used imply certain things about the character. The protagonist of “Rip Van Winkle” the reader first meets in paragraph three, lines seven and eight, “…a simple, good-natured boy named Rip Van Winkle.