in the first confession, is the priest a round or flat character
To determine whether the priest in "The First Confession" is a round or flat character, it helps to understand these literary terms. A "flat character" is relatively uncomplicated and doesn't change much throughout the story. They are often based on a single trait or are stereotypes. On the other hand, a "round character" is more complex, often experiencing development or change throughout the story.
"The First Confession" is a short story written by Frank O'Connor. In the story, the character of the priest is portrayed with a certain level of complexity and understanding. He shows empathy and a sense of humor when dealing with the main character, Jackie, and his fears about confession. He does not adhere to the stereotype of a strict, unforgiving religious figure; instead, he is patient and kind to Jackie, helping to alleviate his anxiety about confessing his sins.
While the story is rather short and doesn't explore the priest's character in great depth, the priest is portrayed with enough complexity to suggest that he is more of a round character than a flat one. His reactions to Jackie's confession and his ability to understand and ease Jackie's fears reveal a multi-dimensional personality. Thus, while some might argue that he does not have extensive character development—that is, he doesn't undergo significant change from start to end of the story—he is certainly not one-dimensional or simplistic.