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Writers have countless different ways to categorize fictional characters
One particularly useful categorization is static vs dynamic characters
Understanding this core difference can help you study character development and bring your characters to life
So what’s the difference between static and dynamic characters?
If they maintain the same personality and worldview throughout the story, they’re a static character
A static character is a character who stays the same throughout the story
Often, secondary characters who play supporting roles in a story will be static characters, since the story
They might help the protagonist grow, provide an obstacle to the protagonist’s goals, or act as
For example, Superman is a symbol of justice, optimism, and hope
It’s important to remember that a static character isn’t the same thing as a flat
A well-written static character should be a round character, with complex layers and flaws, even though they
A dynamic character is a character who changes over the course of a story
For example, an insecure character with low self-esteem might learn to love themselves, or a guarded character
Positive arcs are common for protagonists in stories with happy endings
Other dynamic characters change in negative ways, sinking further into their flaws
Negative arcs are common for protagonists in stories with tragic endings
Dynamic characters shouldn’t be dynamic for no apparent reason—the story must force them to grow
Let’s look at two well-known examples of static characters from English literature
Sherlock Holmes is arguably the world’s most iconic detective
He’s most famous for his incredible deductive powers and his tendency to show off
For example, he lacks all common knowledge that isn’t pertinent to his cases, uses cocaine regularly,
These unchanging characteristics make him memorable and immediately recognizable
Alice, the main character of Alice in Wonderland, falls through a rabbit hole and ends up in
When she returns to her own world at the end of the book, she’s still essentially
It was a wonderful dream, but one that left her ultimately unchanged
Now let’s look at two dynamic character examples from English literature
When Anne Shirley first arrives at Green Gables, she’s a homely but lovable eleven-year-old orphan
She’s garrulous, chattering about everything her active imagination can dream up
She learns to control her temper, talking things out instead of reacting in anger
Even after she grows up, however, she still has her joie de vivre, her passionate optimism, and
In the first Harry Potter book, Neville is an awkward, anxious boy who constantly misplaces things and
He shows courage when he stands up to the protagonists as they’re sneaking out of Gryffindor
In the fifth book, he joins Dumbledore’s Army, practices defensive spells, and risks his life to
Neville is a fan favorite among readers because we’ve watched him undergo such a major change
To write static characters well, it’s important to understand the role each character plays in the
After all, not all static characters serve the same function
If the static character is a comic relief character, make them funny while still ensuring that they’
For example, if you want a character who believes the world is fair, have the world throw
You can even have your protagonist’s static traits begin to influence the world around them, too
Maybe others start playing fair after seeing how your character encounters obstacles
Begin by deciding the start and end point for your dynamic character, so you can make sure
Or you could create a negative arc by having them start out compassionate and end up selfish
The bigger the difference between the start point and the end point, the more dynamic and powerful
Once you know the start and end points, you need to figure out how the conflicts within
Maybe the self-centered character hurts someone they love and realizes they need to be more considerate
It’s important to remember that character and plot go hand in hand
Your character’s growth should affect their choices, and their choices should affect their growth
Finally, remember that some core aspects of a dynamic character’s personality need to remain the same,
There you have it—a complete guide to static vs dynamic characters
Who are your favorite static and dynamic characters in books and movies? Let us know in the
Interested in learning more about character development and conflict? Check out our article about man vs self