Stock characters are archetypal figures that are easily recognizable and often recur in various forms of storytelling, such as literature, film, and theater. These characters embody specific traits or roles, such as the hero, the villain, or the damsel in distress, making them predictable yet effective in advancing the plot. These characters serve as shortcuts for audiences, allowing them to quickly understand the dynamics of a story. While they can provide familiarity, over-reliance on stock characters may lead to clichés, reducing the depth and originality of a narrative.