Creating memorable stories begins with creating memorable characters—those who struggle, adapt, and ultimately transform. While some characters find their strength in sticking to their morals and remaining unchanged in the face of adversity, such as Sherlock Holmes or James Bond, some of the most compelling stories follow protagonists that shift and grow in some fundamental way.
In this article, I’ll explore what makes dynamic characters so powerful, how they differ from static characters, and I’ll give you a Story Weapon you can use to craft a protagonist whose inner journey drives your story forward.
Dynamic characters evolve in meaningful ways throughout a story, driven by internal conflict, external pressures, and transformative experiences. This guide explains how dynamic characters differ from static ones, why their growth is crucial to compelling storytelling, and offers practical tools to help you craft a protagonist with a strong, meaningful arc.
Table of Contents
What is a dynamic character?
A dynamic character is one who undergoes significant internal changes throughout the narrative. This development is often a result of external events changing in the character’s circumstances, a conflict, or some other transition. Usually, they learn a lesson along the way, or they encounter a person or idea that significantly alters their values or world view.
The term “dynamic character” is sometimes used in place of a “round character,” but there is a difference between them.
- A round character is multifaceted, layered, and interesting but doesn’t necessarily go through any major changes.
- A dynamic character grows and evolves significantly throughout the narrative. In the end, there is a considerable difference from how they started out.
Many dynamic characters are also “round” as their transformation naturally reveals their complexities given enough time on the screen or the page.
Not all round characters, however, are dynamic. For example, Jane Bennet from Pride & Prejudice or Forrest in Forrest Gump. They are well-rounded, but also static in that they do not grow or develop.
Characteristics of dynamic characters
There are certain traits and characteristics that are inherent to dynamic characters. Let’s go through each of them to better understand how they play a role in the character’s journey.
- Internal conflict: Dynamic characters have some level of internal conflict that serves as fuel for the change they undergo. They might be dissatisfied with their current situation and seek greener pastures. This conflict motivates them to explore, meet new characters, overcome challenges, and develop.
- Character Evolution: A defining trait of these characters is growth. Influenced by their experiences, relationships and inherent dilemma, these characters transform in their actions, beliefs, values, and even sometimes in appearance.
- Complexity: Dynamic characters have multifaceted personalities and emotional depth, which makes them relatable and great protagonists.
- Impact on the Story: Lastly, dynamic characters tend to have a major impact on the story’s narrative. They are often seen to drive the plot forward, influencing other characters and being influenced by them.
Dynamic characters and static characters — What’s the difference?
Dynamic characters share the screen or pages with a host of other characters, who are sometimes static. So, what is the difference between them? Put simply, a static character remains more or less the same throughout the narrative.
While these characters are quite common in literature and movies, they typically don’t make interesting protagonists. But that is not always the case. Sherlock Holmes, for instance, is a static character who rarely changes (or changes incrementally over the series of novels) but the situations around him do as a result of his wisdom and insight.
Another difference is that while dynamic characters tend to drive the narrative, static characters exist to provide the necessary obstacles. They allow the reader to experience various character archetypes, while allowing them to focus on the journey of the dynamic protagonist.
Dynamic character examples
There are a host of compelling dynamic characters you can take inspiration from. Here are a few examples:
A Christmas Carol – Ebenezer Scrooge
Ebeneezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol published in 1843 is one of the most iconic dynamic characters of all time. The entire story revolves around how he changes his behavior after meeting with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
At first, he is shown to be a greedy old fool who has little empathy or care for others. When the Ghosts show him the error of his ways, he undergoes a complete transformation, becoming more generous and infused with the Christmas spirit. It is a cautionary tale about greed, and is still popular today almost 200 years later.
Avatar: The Last Airbender – Prince Zuko
Prince Zuko from the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender starts out as a dynamic antagonist but becomes a loyal ally in the third and final season. At first, he is shown to be ruthless in his pursuit of the Avatar and might seem one-dimensional, but as the story goes on, we learn more about his inner conflict and personality. Guided by his uncle, Iroh, he slowly begins to reject evil and embrace the goodness in his heart.
Over the course of the story, his morals, allies, and appearance change significantly, making him one of the most beloved characters of the series. He starts out as a brash and impatient young man, but becomes an introspective and just ruler who ushers in an era of peace after the war that his family started. His growth and desire to become a better person present an exemplary redemption story.
Pride and Prejudice – Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is another standout example. Her growth drives the heart of the story. At first, quick-witted Elizabeth is confident in her judgments, and convinced she understands the people around her — especially Mr. Darcy, whom she believes to be arrogant and cruel.
As the story unfolds, however, her biases and assumptions about Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham are turned on their heads. By the end, Elizabeth becomes more reflective, open-minded, and compassionate. Her journey from snap judgments to humility and understanding makes her one of literature’s most beloved dynamic characters.
The role of dynamic characters in storytelling
Humans evolve and change with time. We can learn and adapt even in incredibly adverse situations. As such, we tend to gravitate more towards characters who, like us, also adapt and grow. While a static character can be well-utilized if an author wants to showcase certain virtues or more stubborn mindsets, the story possibilities are virtually limitless for dynamic characters.
These characters are often active protagonists and drive the plot forward. They create tension and explore the setting. Plus, reading about them as they grow can be cathartic, especially if the circumstances of the character are relatable to your own.
Furthermore, dynamic characters help authors explore aspects of human nature and internal conflicts effectively. A character can act as a vessel. Through them, you can discuss complex ideas like growth, redemption, forgiveness, meaning, and what it means to evolve as a human being.
Your story weapon: Tips for developing a dynamic protagonist
Dynamic characters are flawed. When creating a dynamic character for your story, you need to lay out who they are. Since they will change over the course of the narrative, they need weaknesses and a dilemma to overcome. This problem should be present from the beginning of the story.
Don’t hand your dynamic character an easy win. Much like in real life, conflict fosters change in storytelling. Your character has to face some challenges to achieve their goal. They don’t need to do so alone, either. Have some side characters or companions who help nurture your dynamic protagonist and guide them. As the story nears its end, show how the character has changed. Give them a moment to reflect on their journey.
✒️ Writing Exercise
Make a list of three negative traits of your protagonist in the beginning of the story, such as: cruel, greedy, impatient, ruthless, withdrawn, foolish, naive, self-absorbed, etc.
And now, write down the opposite positive traits.
Notice how this exercise instantly activates your imagination and you begin to see the potential for creating a dynamic arc for your protagonist.
Remember that character suggests plot. By imagining your protagonist transformed at the end of the story, your subconscious will start to build a bridge to that transformed place.
Do you need help working out the stages of your protagonist’s transformation? Join my next one-day Story Day workshop. I will help you understand the dilemma besetting your protagonist and clarify your story structure. By the end of the day, you will leave with a completed outline for your novel, memoir, or screenplay.
