A stock character is a type of character used in fictional media that is instantly recognizable to audiences. They are often archetypal characters that are simplified and one-dimensional, making them easy targets for parody and criticism as clichés. Stock characters are used in many genres and help to identify a genre or subgenre. They are a time- and effort-saving shortcut for story creators, as authors can populate their tale with existing well-known character types. Another benefit is that stock characters help to move the story along more efficiently, by allowing the audience to already understand the character and their motivations.

Some characteristics of stock characters include:

• One-dimensional
• Instantly familiar personalities, traits, and goals
• Simplified and flat
• Recognizable across many narratives or as part of a storytelling tradition or convention

There is a wide range of stock characters, covering people of various ages, social classes, and demeanors. Some examples of stock characters include the absent-minded professor, the action hero, the femme fatale, and the evil stepmother. The presence of a particular array of stock characters is a key component of many genres, and they often help to identify a genre or subgenre.

While stock characters are maligned in the industry for many good reasons, they can be a helpful tool if deployed correctly. They can be used as building-blocks for developing fully fleshed-out characters. However, overusing them will result in flat characters that arent interesting. Ideally, a book should contain a mix of stock characters and original characters.