Here's a breakdown of the main characters in "Speak" and why they might or might not be considered round:
Melinda Sordino (the protagonist):
* Potentially round: Melinda undergoes significant internal struggle, grappling with trauma, isolation, and a desire for connection. She evolves from a silent, withdrawn girl to someone who begins to speak out and confront her past. However, her growth is primarily internal, and her outward personality remains somewhat static.
* Potentially flat: Melinda's silence and withdrawal can be seen as a defense mechanism that limits her development. While she experiences emotional turmoil, her personality doesn't change dramatically throughout the novel.
Other characters:
* Mr. Freeman (Art teacher): He is a compassionate and understanding figure who challenges Melinda to express herself creatively, leading to some internal growth in her. He could be considered a round character due to his complexity and willingness to support Melinda.
* Rachel Bruin (Melinda's friend): Rachel is a popular and seemingly confident girl, but she is also shown to be insecure and struggling with her own issues. She undergoes some internal changes, but she remains a more surface-level character compared to Melinda.
* Mr. and Mrs. Sordino (Melinda's parents): They are depicted as relatively unobservant and distant from Melinda's emotional struggles. They show limited development throughout the novel.
* Andy Evans (the antagonist): Andy is a stereotypical bully and a perpetrator of sexual assault. He is primarily presented as a one-dimensional character, driven by cruelty and power.
In conclusion: While Melinda is the most complex character in "Speak," she may not be considered a fully "round" character. She experiences internal growth, but her outward personality remains largely unchanged. Mr. Freeman is arguably the closest to a round character due to his complexity and the impact he has on Melinda. The other characters are largely more flat, serving specific roles in the narrative.