Dynamic character definition: A dynamic character is one who will go through changes throughout the text based on the experiences he has encountered.
What is a Dynamic Character in Literature?
Dynamic character meaning: Dynamic characters experience change throughout the text. Like real people, dynamic characters experience changes based on the situations they have experienced. For example, characters may begin in the text as unappealing people but throughout experiences they better themselves by learning the error of their ways.
Dynamic Character Example
In Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451, the protagonist, Guy Montag, is an example of a dynamic character. At the beginning of the story, Montag is supportive and blindly follows the custom of dystopian society by continuing to burn books. However, as the story progresses, he begins to reject this philosophy and rather embrace the books. By going through these changes, he is identified as a dynamic character.
Dynamic vs. Round Character
Both dynamic and round characters are known for their complexity. However, there are clear differences between these two terms. Dynamic characters go through changes of the personality based on events encountered, and round characters are complex in the since that their personalities are comprised of many dimensions like an actual person.
Example of a Round Character:
In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Friar Laurence displays many dimensions to his character. He is wise and philosophical, patient and loving, as well as many other traits that he displays throughout the play as he helps the young lovers with hopes of ending their families’ feud. By exemplifying such complexity, he is a multi-dimensional character.
The Function of Dynamic Characters in Literature
The dynamic characters in literature are often the main characters. By including dynamic characters in the text, it creates interest in the story as readers identify with these people as they undergo trials and tribulations in the text. Readers become invested in these characters and want to see how the conflicts affect them throughout the story.
Examples of Dynamic Character in Literature
In the short story “The Scarlet Ibis,” the protagonist, the older brother, is an example of a dynamic character. In this classic story, the older brother’s younger sibling, Doodle, is born physically challenged. Disappointed in his lack of abilities, the older brother spends much of his childhood attempted to teach Doodle how to do such normal boy activities as rowing a boat, running, and even simply walking. As the story progresses, the older brother changes his attitude towards his brother from one of resentment to one of love.
In the classic Christmas story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the main character, Scrooge, is a classic example of a dynamic character. Scrooge begins the story with the personality of a crotchety, greedy old man. However, after he experiences a night of eye opening experiences with the guidance of various ghosts, he turns into a charitable, pleasant man.
Summary: What Are Dynamic Characters?
Define dynamic character in literature: Dynamic characters experience change in their character throughout a story based on the experiences they have encountered.
Final Example:
In the new Disney movie Zootopia, the fox, Nick, begins as slimy con artist. By the end of the film, Nick learns the to rid himself of his criminal ways and becomes a productive, law following member of animal society.
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