stock character

noun

1. a character in literature, theater, or film of a type quickly recognized and accepted by the reader or viewer and requiring no development by the writer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stock character¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

The obnoxious meddling journalist is a stock character in fiction.

From The Daily Beast

At an unpredictable pace, that vulgar drawing becomes a stereotype—perhaps even a stock character.

From The Daily Beast

The new viewpoint—Use all the stock character and situations you want, but add a new twist.

From Project Gutenberg

Faintest etched is Tom, the younger son, and most like a stock character.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• piece