In literary terms, the word dynamic is used to describe a character who undergoes significant internal change throughout the course of a story. This change can be in their personality, perspective, or understanding of the world around them. Dynamic characters are often central to the narrative, as their development is crucial to the plot’s progression and the story’s themes.
For example, in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge is a dynamic character. He starts as a miserly, cold-hearted man who despises Christmas and human connection. However, through a series of supernatural encounters, he transforms into a generous and kind-hearted individual who embraces the spirit of Christmas and values his relationships with others.
Dynamic characters are contrasted with static characters, who remain largely unchanged throughout the story. Static characters often serve to highlight the growth and development of dynamic characters, providing a stable point of reference against which the dynamic character’s transformation can be measured.
Understanding whether a character is dynamic or static can help readers analyze the deeper meanings and messages within a literary work. It allows readers to see how characters’ journeys reflect broader themes such as redemption, self-discovery, or the impact of societal change.