What’s the Difference Between a Static vs. Dynamic Character?

By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes


Our characters are the central hub of our stories. They drive everything. We project ourselves and our minds into the lives of characters. It’s why we read. Crafting a deliciously alive and complex character compels writers to write and convinces readers to keep on reading. But, what is the difference between a static and dynamic character?
Table of Contents: • What is a static character? • What is a dynamic character? • Difference between a static vs. dynamic character • 3 tips for balancing static and dynamic characters • Make your main character the most dynamic • Make static characters represent a theme • Static doesn’t mean “no depth” • Ready to publish?
We all remember a character that sticks with us long after we put down a book or finish a movie. We remember what they struggled with, what values they embodied, and what they overcame.
However, some characters stand in to represent other virtues, themes, or motifs in a story. Whether a character represents a symbol of love, hate, innocence, etc. is intertwined into the many themes of storytelling.
What is a static character?
A static character undergoes little or no change throughout the story.
A classic static character example be found in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby, an elusive and uprising “new money” man in the 1920s, remains unchanged throughout the story. His main motivation for wealth — winning the heart of his old love and flame, Daisy Buchanan — stays constant regardless of the events that unfold around him. This unchanging nature and inability to adapt ultimately lead to his downfall by the end of the novel.
Jay Gatsby is someone who has one strong belief: that he can win the love of his life with his newfound money.
Even though Daisy ultimately shows no sincerity in leaving her husband, this does not change Gatsby’s conviction. A character who has a belief that goes unchanged can be easily confused with a static character. The key is, despite contradicting evidence, they hold onto the belief, almost in a state of delusion or stubbornness that makes up who they are and what they represent for the story.
What is a dynamic character?
A dynamic character evolves and changes throughout the story. The character we meet at the beginning of the story is not who we meet at the end.
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Scout Finch undergoes a profound transformation, transitioning from a naïve and innocent child to a mature and empathetic young girl. Initially, Scout holds a simplistic view of the world, shaped by racism. Through her experiences with Boo Radley and the trial of Tom Robinson, Scout’s perception of humanity broadens and she gains a deeper understanding of justice and compassion. This character transformation positions Scout as a dynamic character who challenges conventional norms and undergoes a coming-of-age journey.
Another dynamic character example is in A Christmas Carol, notably in the evolution of Ebenezer Scrooge. His encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come propel his transformation, leading him to reflect upon his life choices. Dickens uses this to powerfully transform Scrooge’s personality and show the power of internal change.
When creating dynamic characters, they must have something at stake they cannot lose without it crushing an internal belief, dream, or their ultimate goal.
Difference between a static vs. dynamic character
When writing, your characters serve all kinds of purposes. Writing static characters versus writing dynamic characters comes down to what purpose your characters serve. Static characters can serve a larger narrative arc or represent an overarching ideal or concept.
Gatsby represents the pursuit of the American Dream in seeking wealth and becoming whoever you want to be. Another character might represent jealousy, love, or lost dreams. This can serve as a contrast to your main character, who may be dynamic and undergoing profound changes while conflicting with your static characters.
Of course, your static characters don’t solely have to be instruments to serve your main characters; static characters can be a source of comedic relief , create contrast, and more.
An example of this can be set within a mother-daughter relationship. In The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Midge’s mother, Rose, remains largely static throughout the series. She is a Jewish woman in the 1950s who grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
The time period, societal expectations, and limits imposed on women in that era help create a character who conforms to society’s status quo of what women should be. Rose is traditional in her belief that her daughter, Midge, should be married, have a husband, and take care of kids. This kind of static character is set up to never approve of her divorced daughter’s comedy career, let alone her touring around the world.
Rose serves as a representation of a disapproving mother of that era. She has high standards that are neurotic and unchanging, which serves as comedic relief and contrast to Midge’s character. She also represents what it means to go against societal expectations.
Having a static character can create interesting narrative opposition in your stories: Will Midge succumb to society’s expectations of her or will she continue to go forward and live the life that makes her happy?
3 tips for balancing static and dynamic characters
So, when should you use static characters versus dynamic characters? Certainly, not all your characters can be static. You need action and change to propel a storyline forward. However, making every character undergo intense changes, while certainly possible, risks your story going in too many directions. When you are focusing on writing your story, there may be levels of evolution to character types.
Make your main character the most dynamic
While not true in all stories (e.g., The Great Gatsby ), your main character will often be the one who is the most dynamic. Your readers will identify with this character the most and will follow your protagonist’s obstacles and internal shifts with attention to every detail.
As your character has their own set of beliefs and goals throughout your story, be sure they are challenged and changed by the end.
Perhaps you have more than one main character. You can offset their changes in subtle ways that may not make them completely changed or contrast their various evolutions throughout the timeline of their story.
Make static characters represent a theme
The characters around your main character can be static characters — and still be interesting — whether they are supportive or challenge the tenets or ultimate direction of the storyline. They can provide comedic relief, represent objection to change, or provide a variety of attributes that add to your story. They can have full backstories and play crucial roles, even if they don’t represent change and growth.
Static doesn’t mean “no depth”
While they are often mistaken as a flat character, a static character can have a lot of depth. Explore the reasons why they won’t change. Certain beliefs, like “women shouldn’t work,” can make for powerful, impactful characters. Or perhaps a character’s wife dies and they are convinced they’ll never find joy in loving again. Just because they are resistant to change doesn’t mean they don’t have a story around them.
A static character can create intrigue and interest around the storyline. They can still be pulled in by their unchanging nature and capture the readers’ interest, whether they are comedic, innocent, or whatever their unchanging character trait.
Balancing these static and dynamic characters is the creative responsibility of you as the writer! As you flesh out their character development , remember that main and minor characters serve clear purposes in your overall themes — they are your instruments in your storytelling.
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