Entry # 3
Stereotypes & How Characters Evolve
In “Stranger Than Fiction”, stereotypes are used in a very effective way. Stereotypes are established to show the differences between the protagonist, Harold Crick, and other main characters in the story. He represents the epitome of the general idea of a tax man, coldly calculating and harshly routine-oriented. When he meets the women he is to audit, she is shown to be the complete opposite, she acts out of care for others and voices her opinion by refusing to pay certain taxes. Ana Pascal is the biggest catalyst of the change in Harold's life, she is the anarchist or revolutionary, symbolizing change, and ironically the only view that changes over the course of the film is her opinion of Harold. Another stereotype presented is that of the college professor, Jules Hilbert. He is wise, methodical and researched. He stays true to his character archetype but takes time out of his day to help a complete stranger solve an obscure problem. The writer of the novel of which Harold Crick is the main character is a slightly exaggerated example of the struggling writer suffering from writer's block, smoking packs of cigarettes a day, witnessing obscene occurrences for inspiration such as going to the E.R. The most interesting stereotype of all would be Harold Crick's identity as a tax man because he evolves behind his archetype limitations. He ends his routine, he begins delving into punk rock and takes up guitar, winning over the heart of Ana by playing a popular song on acoustic guitar. Harold really proves that people can grow beyond basic stereotypes and do what they once feared or dreamed of.