Static Characters versus Dynamic Characters: Definition and Examples of Each

Readers love to see characters that go on a journey of growth and change— whether that’s positive or negative. They connect with these characters and cheer them on, and are even heartbroken when they see them fail. But what about the characters that go through very little change or no change at all? Where do they fit in? That’s what we’ll explore in this post as we look at what dynamic and static characters are and how to write a static character well.

What is a dynamic character?

 A dynamic character, also known as a round character, is one that undergoes a change throughout the story. This transformation is often an internal change, involving shifts in their personality, beliefs, or values due to the events of the plot. A dynamic character is what we typically imagine when we think of our favorite characters. 

Dynamic characters are often the heroes of the story. Their journeys of growth and self-discovery are central to many narratives. Think of Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Elizabeth starts the story with strong opinions about Darcy, rooted in prejudice. Through the course of the novel, her perspective changes as she confronts her own flaws, leading to a deep transformation in both her and Darcy’s relationship.

What is a static character?

Static characters, also called flat characters, do not undergo significant change over the course of the story (or series). This type of character remains essentially unchanged at the end of the story, with little to no character development. While static characters often appear as minor characters or antagonists in the story, it is possible to write protagonists who do not undergo a major internal change by the end of the book.   

Classic examples of static characters include Sherlock Holmes and Superman. Holmes’s brilliance, deductive reasoning, and eccentricity remain steadfast across Arthur Conan Doyle’s series. Similarly, DC Comics's Superman has an unwavering moral compass and dedication to justice, making him a reliable and consistent figure.

Static characters don't only appear in series, though. Another static character example is Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird. He remains steadfast in his moral integrity and sense of justice throughout the story, providing a pillar of strength and guidance for Scout and Jem.

Examples of static and dynamic character arcs

A static character arc follows a protagonist who remains largely unchanged from the beginning to the end of the story. While they do not transform, their actions and influence often catalyze change in others or significantly impact the world around them. For example, Robert Langdon in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code remains consistent in his personality and beliefs. His impact drives Sophie Neveu’s transformation as she uncovers family secrets and reconciles with her past.

By contrast, a dynamic character arc revolves around transformation—growth, regression, or a shift in perspective. These characters’ internal journeys drive the narrative and create emotional depth. Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games has a dynamic character arc, as she undergoes a profound transformation and evolves from a protective sister into a symbol of rebellion.

Tips for writing a static character

Consider your genre and type of story

Certain genres and story structures lend themselves naturally to static protagonists. Mystery, detective, or superhero stories often feature heroes who maintain a strong sense of identity. For instance:

• Mystery/Thriller: Sherlock Holmes, who solves cases without significant personal change.
• Romance: Beverly Jenkins’s Old West series, where the protagonist’s consistency allows the plot to revolve around external challenges and romance.

Also, consider whether your story is more plot-driven or character driven. Static characters shine in episodic or plot-driven stories focusing on events rather than character development.

Strong sense of identity and values

Because static protagonists remain unchanged from start to finish, they will already have a strong sense of who they are and what they value and will hold tight to those values throughout the story. Think about who your character is. What do they believe in? What values do they keep that define who they are? This characterization is essential to give the reader a clear picture of who this character is, and to prevent your static characters from being too one-dimensional.

For example, James Bond is a quintessential static character. Across countless novels and films, his unshakable commitment to his mission, loyalty to his country, and suave, confident demeanor define who he is. No matter how dire the situation or how many adversaries he faces, Bond remains consistent, anchoring the story with his reliability. His static nature allows the series to focus on high-stakes plots and thrilling action, while his charm and wit keep audiences engaged.

The hero’s impact

If you’re writing a story with a hero that does not change or transform, be sure that either another character or the world around them changes or transforms because of their impact. A flat character should still serve a purpose over the course of the story.

For example, in Mary Poppins, the titular character arrives as an unchanging force of magic and wisdom. While Mary herself remains constant in her whimsical demeanor and moral compass, her presence profoundly impacts the Banks family. She helps the children rediscover joy and imagination while inspiring Mr. Banks to reconnect with his family and prioritize love over work. Though Mary Poppins doesn’t change, her impact transforms the people around her, making her an unforgettable and essential character in the story.

Make them an interesting character

Flat doesn’t mean boring! Static characters should be engaging and multidimensional, with quirks, wit, or unique personality traits. Since your hero will mostly stay the same from beginning to end, they need to be an interesting character and someone worth following and caring about, even though they don’t change. They can be quirky, witty, sarcastic, or better yet, all three! They can value knowledge and creativity and have a passion for learning new things or taking up new hobbies. For example, Sherlock Holmes's eccentric habits and razor-sharp intellect captivate readers.

Static does not mean perfect

When writing a static character, although your protagonist will not change much from start to finish, that does not mean they are perfect from the start. They may still have flaws and/or wounds from their past. Perhaps their stubbornness prevents them from seeing their flaws or being willing to change. Or perhaps they change a little, but it’s not a big enough internal transformation to consider them a dynamic character.

In Supergirl, though Kara may have powers and a strong moral compass, she still has her flaws. In the series finale of the show, she realizes that one of her flaws has been thinking that she needed to rescue everyone, that it was her “mission to save them” and to be “Earth’s hero,” when she needed to empower them to be their own heroes. Though this is one of Supergirl’s flaws highlighted in the show, it doesn’t change who she is or what she values. This adds another value to her belief system.

Ready to write a great static character?

Now that you know what a static character arc is and the traits for creating a static hero, if you follow the tips above, you can create static characters that are just as compelling and interesting as a dynamic one.