In storytelling, characters are at the heart of everything. But not all characters are created equal. Some stay exactly the same from start to finish, while others change, grow, and evolve as the story unfolds.
These evolving characters are known as dynamic characters. Understanding what makes a character dynamic is essential for writers and readers, as they are often the key to an engaging, emotionally rich narrative.
Definition of a Dynamic Character
A dynamic character is one who undergoes significant internal change throughout the course of a story. This change can be emotional, psychological, or moral. It often results from the character’s experiences, conflicts, or revelations that challenge their worldview or values.
The change doesn't have to be dramatic or sudden, but it should be meaningful. A dynamic character might:
- Overcome a deep-seated fear
- Shift their perspective or beliefs
- Learn an important life lesson
- Transform from selfish to selfless (or vice versa)
Key Characteristics of Dynamic Characters:
- Internal transformation
- Growth or decline (can be positive or negative)
- Affected by events in the plot
- Often relatable or emotionally engaging
The Difference Between Dynamic and Static Characters
To understand dynamic characters, it’s helpful to contrast them with static characters.
Dynamic Characters:
- Change internally over the course of the story
- React and adapt to major events
- Central to character-driven narratives
Static Characters:
- Remain largely the same from beginning to end
- Serve to support the plot or contrast with dynamic characters
- Can still be interesting or well-developed, just unchanging
It’s important to note that a static character isn’t necessarily a poorly written one. Some stories need static characters to maintain stability, represent certain ideals, or serve as foils to dynamic characters.
Examples of Dynamic Characters
Let’s look at some famous examples of dynamic characters from literature and film:
1. Ebenezer Scrooge – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Scrooge starts off as a bitter, greedy old man who despises Christmas. Through encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, he transforms into a generous and joyful person. His change is clear, emotional, and central to the story.
2. Elizabeth Bennet – Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Elizabeth begins with strong prejudices against Mr. Darcy, but as she learns more about his true character, her opinions shift. She matures emotionally and learns to question her own assumptions.
3. Walter White – Breaking Bad
Walter starts off as a mild-mannered chemistry teacher who turns to cooking meth to support his family. Over time, he evolves into a ruthless drug kingpin. His arc is a tragic and complex example of a dynamic character in a long-form narrative.
4. Zuko – Avatar: The Last Airbender
Prince Zuko begins as a conflicted antagonist hunting the Avatar to regain his honor. Through personal struggle and influence from others, he eventually chooses a different path, seeking redemption and joining the heroes.
How Do You Write a Dynamic Character?
Writing a compelling dynamic character involves careful planning and organic development. Here are some key tips:
1. Start with a Flaw or Limitation
Your character should begin the story with a belief, behavior, or fear that limits them. This sets the stage for growth. In your world, there's a lie and there's a truth. Your protagonist needs to go from one side to the other (depending on the arc you've chosen for them: a corruption arc certainly won't be the same as a positive arc).
2. Create Opportunities for Change
The plot should challenge the character’s worldview. Force them into difficult decisions or unexpected revelations. You don't want to make it to easy for them, otherwise they just succeed as they are and we don't want that.
3. Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of stating how a character has changed, show it through their actions, dialogue, or choices. Show, don't tell, is an important rule in literarure, keep it in mind.
4. Make the Change Earned
Avoid sudden transformations that feel unrealistic. The character’s evolution should feel like a natural consequence of their journey.
5. Use Secondary Characters and Conflict
Supporting characters and external pressures can reflect or challenge the main character’s development. Conflict is always there. Things and people stand in the way. It doesn't have to be huge. Even a simple disagreement or a physical obstacle can work.
Does Every Character Need to Be Dynamic?
Not at all. In fact, not every character should be dynamic. Static characters have an important role in stories too, especially in a flat arc.
When Static Characters Work:
- As foils to dynamic characters (e.g., Sherlock Holmes vs. Dr. Watson)
- To represent consistency or ideals in a changing world
- When the story’s focus is plot-driven rather than character-driven
Think of iconic characters like James Bond or Indiana Jones: they often remain largely the same from one story to the next, and that’s part of their charm.
The key is to understand your character’s role in the story. Not everyone needs an arc, some are there to push others into one.
When Should My Protagonists Be Dynamic?
If you're writing a novel and your story is primarily about growth, redemption, self-discovery, or change, then your protagonist should almost certainly be dynamic. Audiences expect to see the main character transformed by their experiences in meaningful ways.
Dynamic protagonists are ideal when:
- The theme centers on personal growth or moral dilemmas
- The conflict is internal or emotional
- You want your audience to connect deeply with the character’s journey
However, in some thrillers, mysteries, or action stories, a protagonist might remain largely static because the focus is on external events rather than internal change. Even in those cases, a slight internal shift can still enhance the character's depth.
The Best Character Template For Fiction Writers
