What is a Catalyst Character?

A catalyst character is a type of character in a story who causes significant change or action in the plot without undergoing substantial change themselves. This character often serves to trigger events or influence other characters, pushing the story forward. Unlike protagonists or antagonists, a catalyst character may not have a deep backstory or complex motivations. Their primary role is to instigate development in the main characters or the storyline. For example, in many stories, a catalyst character might introduce a crucial piece of information or create a situation that forces the main characters to make important decisions, thereby driving the narrative forward.