Dynamic characters are the heart of any compelling story. They are the ones who grow, change, and evolve, driving the narrative forward and keeping readers invested in their journey. But what exactly makes a character dynamic? Let’s explore the elements that contribute to a dynamic character and provide some examples from modern TV shows, movies, and books.
Change Over Time
Change over time is a cornerstone of what makes a character dynamic and compelling. It involves a character's transformation—whether gradual or sudden—in response to the events and conflicts in the story. This change is not just superficial or situational but is deeply rooted in the character's internal development, reflecting shifts in their beliefs, attitudes, values, or actions. Let’s dive deeper into why this change is crucial, how it is crafted, and some standout examples that illustrate this evolution effectively.
Why is Change Over Time Important?
Reflects Real Life: Just like people in real life, characters are shaped by their experiences, decisions, and the people around them. A character who grows and changes feels more authentic and relatable.
Creates Emotional Engagement: Watching a character transform can be emotionally rewarding for readers and viewers. They become invested in the character's journey, rooting for them to succeed, grow, or overcome their flaws.
Drives the Narrative Forward: A character’s evolution often propels the plot. As they change, they make new choices that lead to new conflicts and resolutions, keeping the story dynamic and engaging.
Example: Walter White in Breaking Bad
Walter White starts as a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of the series, his character transforms dramatically as he becomes a ruthless drug kingpin. His initial motivations—to provide for his family—are slowly overshadowed by his growing pride and desire for power. Walter's descent into moral ambiguity makes him one of the most dynamic characters on television, reflecting how extreme circumstances can alter a person’s core.
Example: Jamie Lannister in Game of Thrones
Jamie Lannister’s transformation from an arrogant, morally dubious knight to a more introspective and honorable character is one of the most notable arcs in Game of Thrones. At the beginning of the series, Jamie is known as the “Kingslayer,” a man who seemingly cares for nothing but his sister, Cersei. However, his experiences—especially his loss of a hand and his evolving relationship with Brienne of Tarth—force him to confront his own identity and sense of honor. His change is gradual and layered, driven by both external challenges and deep internal reflection.
Example: Shuri in Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In Black Panther, Shuri is introduced as the brilliant, carefree, and somewhat rebellious younger sister of T’Challa. Her character arc takes a profound turn in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever following T’Challa's death. Shuri's grief, anger, and desire for revenge challenge her initial optimism and force her to mature rapidly. She struggles with her belief in tradition and spiritual aspects, which evolves after her intense confrontation with loss and responsibility. Her journey showcases how personal tragedy can be a powerful catalyst for change.
Example: Joe Goldberg in You
Joe Goldberg, the protagonist in You, undergoes subtle yet significant changes over the course of the series. Initially, he sees himself as a romantic anti-hero who justifies his violent actions in the name of love. As the series progresses, his delusions start to crack, especially when confronted with characters who mirror his own obsessive tendencies. His change is both chilling and complex, as he slowly begins to see the futility of his desires and the inescapable patterns of his behaviour.
Change over time is a fundamental element in creating a dynamic character. By evolving in response to the story’s events and challenges, characters become more relatable, layered, and engaging. As a writer, ensuring that this change feels earned and believable is key to crafting a compelling character arc that resonates with readers. Whether it’s a gradual evolution or a dramatic transformation, the journey of change is what often defines the most memorable and dynamic characters in storytelling.
Complex Motivations
Dynamic characters are not driven by a singular, linear goal; instead, they are motivated by a combination of desires, fears, beliefs, and internal conflicts. This complexity makes them more relatable and realistic because, like real people, they often have to balance conflicting priorities. When a character has more than one goal or motivation, it adds depth to their decisions and actions, revealing different facets of their personality and creating tension within the narrative.
Why Do Multiple Goals and Motivations Matter?
Creates Complexity: A character with multiple goals isn't just focused on a single outcome; they may want different things that conflict with one another, making them more unpredictable and engaging.
Reflects Real Life: People are rarely driven by a single desire. We often juggle multiple motivations, whether they are personal, professional, ethical, or emotional. Characters who reflect this complexity feel more authentic and human.
Drives Internal Conflict: When a character’s goals are at odds with each other, it creates internal conflict. This struggle can drive a character's development and lead to meaningful growth, as they have to make tough choices.
Enhances Plot Dynamics: Multiple motivations can lead to more complex plotlines, as characters’ conflicting desires affect their decisions and the story’s direction, creating richer, more layered narratives.
Example: Fleabag in Fleabag
In Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag, the titular character, often referred to simply as Fleabag, is a complex protagonist driven by multiple conflicting motivations. On one hand, she is seeking to cope with the grief and guilt surrounding her best friend Boo’s death, while on the other, she craves genuine connection and love. She uses humor and promiscuity to mask her pain, which creates an internal conflict between her desire to be seen as carefree and her deeper yearning for self-worth and redemption. Fleabag's motivations—self-destruction, love, grief, and self-discovery—are layered, making her a highly dynamic and relatable character whose actions are shaped by these complex, often conflicting desires.
Example: Kaz Brekker in Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Kaz Brekker, the cunning mastermind in Six of Crows, is driven by several intertwined goals. His primary motivation is revenge against those who wronged him and his family, but he is also driven by his desire to build a criminal empire and gain power in Ketterdam's underworld. At the same time, Kaz wrestles with his emerging feelings for Inej, a member of his crew, and his deep-seated trauma and trust issues. His motivations often conflict—his ruthless pursuit of vengeance can clash with his more vulnerable desire to protect his friends. This internal struggle makes Kaz a dynamic character whose actions and decisions are shaped by his competing desires for power, revenge, loyalty, and love.
Example: Wanda Maximoff in WandaVision (
Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) in WandaVision is a powerful example of a character with multiple conflicting motivations. After the death of her partner Vision, Wanda's overwhelming grief drives her to create a fabricated reality where she can live an idealized life with him. Her motivations are layered: she desires a normal, happy family life, a place to heal from her trauma, and control over a world that has repeatedly taken from her. However, these motivations conflict with her ethical boundaries and her underlying need for acceptance of her loss. Wanda's struggle to maintain her illusion while facing the moral implications of her actions creates a complex internal conflict, making her a deeply dynamic character whose motivations are torn between love, grief, and the quest for control.
Example: Devi Vishwakumar in Never Have I Ever
Devi Vishwakumar, the protagonist of the TV show Never Have I Ever, is a high school student navigating the complexities of adolescence while dealing with the recent loss of her father. Her motivations are diverse and often conflicting: she wants to be popular and have a boyfriend, she desires academic success to meet her family’s expectations, and she struggles with her grief over her father’s death. These competing goals create internal conflict and affect her relationships with her friends, family, and potential romantic partners. Devi's actions are often impulsive and contradictory because she is pulled in different directions by her ambitions, insecurities, and unresolved trauma. This layered portrayal makes her a dynamic character whose growth is shaped by these multifaceted motivations.
Example: Loki in Loki
Loki, the God of Mischief, is a quintessential example of a character driven by multiple conflicting motivations. In the TV series Loki, he grapples with his desire for power and freedom from his predetermined fate. At the same time, he seeks redemption for his past misdeeds and yearns for a deeper understanding of his identity beyond being Thor's mischievous brother. Loki’s motivations are complex: he desires control and chaos, craves recognition and validation, and ultimately wants to break free from his villainous past. This internal conflict is heightened when he confronts different versions of himself and questions his destiny. Loki’s evolving motivations—power, freedom, redemption, and self-discovery—make him a highly dynamic character whose actions are shaped by the tension between these conflicting desires.
Dynamic characters with multiple goals and motivations are layered, relatable, and engaging because they reflect the complexities of real human experiences. Characters like Fleabag, Kaz Brekker, Wanda Maximoff, Devi Vishwakumar, and Loki showcase how these conflicting motivations drive their development, creating rich narratives filled with internal and external conflicts. By exploring these complexities in your own characters, you can create multidimensional personalities that captivate and resonate with readers and viewers, adding depth to both the characters and the stories they inhabit.
Flawed Yet Relatable
Dynamic characters are often defined not by their strengths but by their imperfections and flaws. These flaws are what make them human and relatable, creating a deeper emotional connection with the audience. Unlike static characters who might possess traits that are either idealized or one-dimensional, dynamic characters have realistic weaknesses that actively shape their decisions, actions, and overall journey. A character's flaws are not merely superficial traits; they are deeply embedded in their psyche and motivations, influencing their narrative arc and providing opportunities for growth, redemption, or transformation. For a dynamic character, these imperfections are essential—they challenge them, create internal and external conflicts, and drive the narrative forward.
Why Do Flaws Matter in Dynamic Characters?
Realism and Relatability: Flawed characters mirror real people. Everyone has imperfections, and seeing these reflected in characters makes them more believable and relatable. Audiences often connect with characters who reflect their own struggles and vulnerabilities.
Source of Conflict and Tension: A character’s flaws often serve as a source of conflict, both internally and externally. Internally, flaws create psychological struggles, such as insecurity, fear, or pride. Externally, they may cause conflict with other characters or complicate the pursuit of their goals.
Catalyst for Growth: Flaws present opportunities for characters to evolve. A dynamic character often starts with a significant flaw that they must confront, learn from, or overcome by the end of their arc. This growth creates a satisfying narrative journey.
Adds Depth and Complexity: Flaws prevent characters from being too perfect or predictable. When characters struggle with their own limitations or make mistakes because of their flaws, it adds depth and complexity to their personality, making their choices and actions more layered.
Enhances Storytelling: A well-crafted flaw can drive the plot in unexpected directions. For example, a character’s stubbornness might lead them to make a choice that propels the narrative into new territory, generating fresh conflicts and challenges.
Example: Bojack Horseman in Bojack Horseman
Bojack Horseman, the titular character of the animated series Bojack Horseman, is a prime example of a deeply flawed and dynamic character. Bojack is a washed-up actor struggling with addiction, self-destructive behavior, and a pervasive sense of self-loathing. His flaws—narcissism, substance abuse, and fear of abandonment—are not just surface-level traits; they are ingrained in his psyche and shape his interactions and relationships. Throughout the series, Bojack's journey is marked by his attempts to confront his flaws, understand their roots, and seek redemption. However, his progress is non-linear, as he frequently relapses into his old habits, demonstrating the complexity of personal growth and the difficulty of overcoming deep-seated flaws.
Example: Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place
Eleanor Shellstrop, the protagonist of The Good Place, starts as a selfish, morally questionable person who only cares about herself. Her flaws—self-centeredness, dishonesty, and lack of empathy—are central to her character arc. After mistakenly being sent to "The Good Place" (a version of heaven), Eleanor realizes she must confront these flaws to avoid being exposed and sent to "The Bad Place." Her journey of self-improvement is driven by her flaws and the desire to become a better person. Over the series, she learns to empathize, build meaningful relationships, and make morally sound choices. Eleanor’s evolution from a deeply flawed individual to someone genuinely striving for goodness showcases how flaws can be powerful catalysts for change.
Example: Joe Goldberg in You
Joe Goldberg from You is a complex character whose flaws are central to his dynamic arc. On the surface, Joe appears to be a charming and intelligent young man. However, his obsessive tendencies, delusional thinking, and violent actions reveal his deep flaws. Joe believes his actions—stalking, manipulation, and murder—are justified in the name of love and protection. His flaws are not merely characteristics but are intrinsic to his distorted view of relationships and morality. As the series progresses, Joe is forced to confront the darkness within himself, his cyclical patterns of behavior, and the consequences of his actions. His internal conflicts and his attempts (and failures) to change make him a compelling, flawed character.
Example: Maeve Wiley in Sex Education
Maeve Wiley in Sex Education is a layered character whose flaws significantly shape her journey. Maeve is intelligent, independent, and outspoken, but she also struggles with trust issues, a fear of vulnerability, and feelings of unworthiness due to her difficult upbringing. Her flaws—defensiveness, cynicism, and an unwillingness to let people in—are tied to her past traumas and experiences with abandonment and poverty. Throughout the series, Maeve’s evolution involves learning to trust others, opening herself up to love and friendship, and confronting her feelings of inadequacy. Her flaws provide a foundation for growth and transformation, making her one of the most dynamic characters in the series.
Example: Michael Burnham in Star Trek: Discovery
Michael Burnham, the protagonist of Star Trek: Discovery, is a dynamic character whose flaws play a crucial role in her development. Burnham is highly skilled, intelligent, and determined, but she is also often reckless, overly logical to a fault, and sometimes struggles with authority and emotional expression. Her decision to defy orders in the series' opening leads to a devastating conflict, causing her to grapple with guilt, redemption, and finding her place in the universe. Throughout the series, Burnham must confront her need to control situations, learn to trust her instincts, and embrace her emotional side. Her flaws challenge her leadership and relationships, providing a rich narrative arc of growth and self-discovery.
Flaws are not just a part of a character’s makeup; they are essential elements that define their journey and evolution. Characters like Bojack Horseman, Eleanor Shellstrop, Joe Goldberg, Maeve Wiley, and Michael Burnham demonstrate how flaws can serve as catalysts for development and transformation. By facing their imperfections, these characters reveal the complexity of the human experience, where growth is often messy, nonlinear, and deeply tied to overcoming one’s intrinsic limitations. This depth is what makes flawed, dynamic characters so compelling—they are a reflection of the struggles, conflicts, and growth inherent in all of us.
Engaging Relationships
Dynamic characters are not shaped in isolation; they are often defined and transformed by their relationships with others. These connections—whether they are friendships, romantic relationships, familial ties, or even antagonistic interactions—serve as mirrors that reflect a character’s growth, strengths, weaknesses, and potential for change. Relationships can be catalysts that push characters out of their comfort zones, challenge their beliefs, and force them to confront their deepest fears and desires. Through meaningful interactions, characters reveal new facets of their personalities, influencing their decisions and driving their evolution.
Why Are Engaging Relationships Crucial for Dynamic Characters?
Mirror for Self-Reflection: Relationships often reflect a character’s internal struggles and growth. Characters see themselves more clearly—or more critically—through the eyes of others, prompting introspection and self-awareness. A relationship can highlight a character’s flaws, insecurities, or unrecognized potential, pushing them to evolve.
Catalysts for Change: Engaging relationships can serve as pivotal turning points for a character’s development. The push and pull of interpersonal dynamics can challenge a character’s worldview, forcing them to reassess their beliefs, attitudes, and actions. These relationships often present dilemmas or conflicts that are central to the character’s arc.
Reveal Hidden Depths: Interactions with others can reveal different sides of a character that may not be apparent otherwise. A seemingly cold and distant character might show vulnerability in front of a trusted friend, or a carefree character might display unexpected depth when faced with a crisis involving a loved one.
Enhance Emotional Investment: Well-crafted relationships make the audience more emotionally invested in a character’s journey. When we see characters deeply care about others, fight for their loved ones, or grapple with betrayal, it resonates on an emotional level, making the narrative more compelling.
Create Conflict and Tension: Relationships can be a source of both external and internal conflict, which is essential for dynamic storytelling. Conflicting desires, misunderstandings, power struggles, or loyalty issues can drive the plot and force characters to make tough choices, contributing to their growth.
Example: Aziraphale and Crowley in Good Omens
Aziraphale, an angel, and Crowley, a demon, have one of the most engaging and dynamic relationships in Good Omens. Their unlikely friendship defies the rigid expectations of their respective celestial and infernal sides. Through their interactions, they challenge each other’s beliefs about good, evil, and humanity. This relationship pushes both characters to question their roles in the cosmic order and ultimately leads them to defy their superiors to protect the world they have come to love. Aziraphale and Crowley's evolving bond showcases how relationships can drive characters to confront their principles and make life-changing decisions.
Example: Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn in Euphoria
The relationship between Rue Bennett and Jules Vaughn in Euphoria is central to both characters’ development. Rue, struggling with addiction, finds a lifeline in Jules, whose presence initially motivates her to stay sober. However, as their bond deepens, Rue’s dependence on Jules becomes emotionally complex and problematic, revealing her insecurities, fear of abandonment, and struggles with mental health. Meanwhile, Jules navigates her own journey of self-discovery, and her relationship with Rue forces her to confront the boundaries of her empathy and self-sacrifice. Their intense, emotionally charged relationship acts as a catalyst for both characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and pushing them toward growth, albeit through difficult and often painful experiences.
Example: Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in Sherlock
In the TV show Sherlock, the dynamic relationship between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson is central to both characters’ growth. Sherlock, a brilliant but emotionally distant detective, begins to show more humanity through his friendship with John. John’s steadfast loyalty and courage push Sherlock to recognize the value of human connection, slowly chipping away at his aloofness. Conversely, John is challenged by Sherlock’s unpredictable nature, which forces him to confront his own need for adventure and stability. Their evolving friendship reveals different layers of both characters—Sherlock's capacity for empathy and John’s need for purpose—creating a dynamic interplay that drives the narrative forward.
Example: Geralt of Rivia and Ciri in The Witcher
The bond between Geralt of Rivia and Ciri in The Witcher is a profound example of how relationships can shape dynamic characters. Geralt, a solitary monster hunter with a seemingly stoic demeanor, begins to change when he takes on the role of Ciri's protector and mentor. His relationship with Ciri reveals his capacity for care, empathy, and even fatherly love—traits that are at odds with his otherwise detached persona. Meanwhile, Ciri, who is burdened with a mysterious power and a tragic past, learns to trust and grow under Geralt’s guidance. Their relationship challenges both characters to step out of their comfort zones and evolve, forming a deep bond that becomes central to their development.
Example: Maeve Wiley and Otis Milburn in Sex Education
Maeve Wiley and Otis Milburn’s relationship in Sex Education is a driving force for both characters' arcs. Maeve, who is fiercely independent and guarded due to her challenging background, slowly begins to open up emotionally through her friendship with Otis. Her interactions with Otis, who is empathetic but socially awkward, reveal her vulnerability and her desire for connection. Conversely, Otis learns to be more assertive and confident through his relationship with Maeve. Their evolving dynamic, marked by miscommunication, unspoken feelings, and personal growth, acts as a catalyst for both characters, encouraging them to confront their insecurities and mature in meaningful ways.
Engaging relationships are vital in shaping dynamic characters. They act as mirrors that reflect a character's inner struggles, serve as catalysts for change, reveal hidden depths, and provide emotional stakes that enhance the narrative. Characters like Aziraphale and Crowley, Rue and Jules, Sherlock and John, Geralt and Ciri, and Maeve and Otis exemplify how relationships can drive character development. By exploring the complexity of these bonds, writers can create multidimensional characters whose interactions with others reveal growth, conflict, and the richness of the human experience.
Facing Moral Dilemmas
Moral dilemmas are powerful tools in storytelling that reveal the true depth of a character. These dilemmas put characters in situations where they must make difficult choices, often with no clear right or wrong answer. The choices they make in these moments challenge their core beliefs, values, and identities, forcing them to confront the conflict between who they are and who they aspire to be. For dynamic characters, these dilemmas serve as pivotal moments of growth and transformation, where they must grapple with ethical complexities, personal stakes, and the consequences of their decisions.
Why Are Moral Dilemmas Important for Dynamic Characters?
Expose Inner Conflicts: Moral dilemmas expose the inner conflicts of a character, laying bare their values, fears, and priorities. When a character is faced with a choice that pits two equally compelling values against each other, their decision reveals what they truly stand for.
Catalyze Growth and Change: A well-crafted moral dilemma pushes a character out of their comfort zone, forcing them to evolve. How they handle the dilemma—whether they rise to the occasion or falter—often becomes a turning point in their arc, leading to meaningful growth or tragic downfall.
Increase Emotional Engagement: When readers see characters grappling with tough choices, it creates empathy and emotional investment. Readers may find themselves questioning what they would do in the same situation, making the story more engaging and thought-provoking.
Drive the Plot Forward: Moral dilemmas often serve as key plot points that drive the narrative forward. The outcomes of these decisions can lead to new conflicts, alliances, or consequences, adding layers to the storyline and keeping it dynamic.
Highlight Complexity of Human Nature: Moral dilemmas underscore the complexity of human nature. They show that people are not simply “good” or “bad,” but a blend of both, shaped by circumstances, experiences, and their internal moral compass.
Example: Circe in Circe by Madeline Miller
In Circe, the titular character, a goddess and witch, faces numerous moral dilemmas that shape her development over the course of the novel. One significant dilemma occurs when she must decide whether to defy the gods and risk her own safety to protect mortals and her loved ones. Circe’s actions are often at odds with the expectations of her divine lineage, and she is forced to confront her identity as both a goddess and a woman who desires empathy and connection. Her choices reflect her evolving understanding of power, autonomy, and love. These dilemmas challenge her to redefine who she is beyond her divine nature, highlighting her transformation from a naïve, overlooked nymph into a strong, self-reliant, and morally complex character.
Example: Yadriel in Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Yadriel, the protagonist of Cemetery Boys, faces a moral dilemma when he summons the wrong spirit while trying to prove his worth as a brujo to his traditional Latinx family. The spirit he summons, Julian Diaz, is a recently deceased boy with unfinished business. Yadriel is torn between his desire to quickly set things right to gain acceptance from his family and his growing bond with Julian, which complicates his original plan. This moral conflict forces Yadriel to confront his own beliefs about identity, family expectations, and love. His choices challenge the traditions he was raised with and push him to embrace his authentic self, showcasing his growth from seeking external validation to finding inner strength and confidence.
Example: Adunni in The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
In The Girl with the Louding Voice, Adunni, a young Nigerian girl, faces moral dilemmas that force her to confront issues of freedom, education, and justice. After being sold into marriage and later becoming a servant, Adunni must decide whether to quietly endure her situation or risk everything to pursue her dream of getting an education and speaking out against the injustices she faces. This decision is complicated by her loyalty to other oppressed women around her, as well as her fear of retaliation and violence. Her choices highlight the conflict between survival and the pursuit of her dreams, ultimately reflecting her growth from a powerless girl into a courageous young woman determined to change her destiny and inspire others.
Example: January Scaller in The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
January Scaller, the protagonist of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, is faced with a moral dilemma when she discovers a book that reveals hidden truths about her family and the existence of magical doors that lead to other worlds. She must choose between conforming to the rigid expectations set by her guardian, Mr. Locke, and his secret society, or embracing the possibility of adventure, self-discovery, and the search for her missing father. This choice involves great risk to her safety and challenges her understanding of her own power and identity. The moral dilemma forces January to confront the conflicting worlds of comfort and safety versus freedom and danger, ultimately leading her to embrace her true self and her role in challenging the oppressive structures around her.
Example: Evelyn Hugo in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo, the glamorous and morally complex protagonist of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, faces numerous moral dilemmas throughout her life and career. One of the most significant involves her decision to marry for convenience and social leverage rather than for love. She continually grapples with the ethical implications of her actions—choosing fame, power, and career over her personal happiness and relationships. This dilemma is compounded when it comes to her love for Celia St. James, a relationship she must hide due to the homophobic norms of the time. Evelyn's choices challenge her to weigh the cost of her ambition against her desire for authentic connection, revealing a woman who is fiercely determined, unapologetically ambitious, yet deeply conflicted by the sacrifices she makes to get what she wants. Her evolution reflects the complexity of balancing personal integrity with ambition, love, and survival.
Moral dilemmas are a compelling way to explore the depth and complexity of dynamic characters. By forcing characters to make difficult choices that challenge their core values and beliefs, these dilemmas serve as catalysts for growth, transformation, and introspection. Characters like Circe, Yadriel, Adunni, January Scaller, and Evelyn Hugo show how moral dilemmas can drive narrative tension, reveal hidden facets of their personalities, and underscore the complexity of human nature. These challenges compel characters to confront who they are versus who they want to be, creating richer, more nuanced stories that resonate with readers.
Realistic Reactions to Conflict
Dynamic characters are defined not just by the conflicts they face but by how they react to these conflicts in ways that feel authentic and true to their personalities, fears, desires, and goals. These reactions are crucial in storytelling because they reveal the inner workings of a character’s mind and soul. A realistic reaction is not simply about the external action taken in response to a situation, but also about the internal processing—how a character feels, thinks, and changes because of their experiences. When a character’s response to conflict aligns with their established traits and internal world, it deepens their complexity, making their journey more compelling and relatable.
Why Are Realistic Reactions to Conflict Important?
Adds Depth to Characters: Realistic reactions reveal a character’s depth by showcasing their vulnerabilities, strengths, and unique perspectives. They allow readers to understand a character’s inner world—their fears, motivations, and desires.
Drives Character Development: How a character reacts to conflict often dictates their growth. If their reactions are realistic and nuanced, it can lead to meaningful evolution, showing how they adapt, learn, or regress in response to challenges.
Enhances Relatability: Characters who react in believable ways are more relatable. When readers see characters struggling with decisions, experiencing doubt, or grappling with moral choices, it resonates with their own experiences of conflict.
Creates Emotional Engagement: Realistic responses to conflict heighten emotional engagement. They allow readers to connect with the character on a personal level, rooting for them to succeed or change as they navigate their challenges.
Maintains Narrative Consistency: When a character’s reaction to conflict aligns with their established personality and backstory, it maintains the story’s consistency and believability. Inconsistent or unrealistic reactions can break immersion and undermine a character’s credibility.
Example: Addie LaRue in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
In The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Addie reacts to her unique conflict—being cursed to live forever without being remembered by anyone—in ways that align with her deep-seated fears and desires. At first, Addie is overwhelmed and desperate as she grapples with her new reality, feeling isolated and trapped. However, as the years pass, her reactions evolve from despair to determination, reflecting her innate resilience and thirst for life. Her responses are realistic, considering her circumstances; she learns to adapt by finding ways to leave her mark in subtle forms, like influencing art and stories. Addie’s processing of her conflict is slow, painful, and filled with moments of introspection, making her journey feel authentic and emotionally compelling.
Example: Ifemelu in Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Ifemelu, the protagonist of Americanah, faces conflicts around race, identity, and belonging as she moves from Nigeria to America. Her reactions to these conflicts are deeply rooted in her experiences and personality. When faced with overt and subtle racism in America, Ifemelu initially tries to conform, but over time, she reacts with a blend of frustration, introspection, and empowerment. She processes her experiences through her blog, where she discusses race and identity with candor and wit, revealing her inner turmoil and growth. Her reactions are realistic because they show a range of emotions, from anger to humor to vulnerability, reflecting the complexities of navigating different cultural landscapes and her evolving understanding of her place in the world.
Example: Kya Clark in Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Kya Clark, known as the “Marsh Girl,” in Where the Crawdads Sing, reacts to conflict in ways that are deeply influenced by her abandonment, isolation, and need for survival. When faced with the conflicts of being an outcast in her community and the suspicion of murder, Kya’s reactions are shaped by her fear of rejection and her instinct to protect herself. She avoids people, hides from authorities, and uses her knowledge of the marsh to stay safe. Her responses are realistic because they reflect her lifelong conditioning to distrust others and rely on herself. Even in moments of vulnerability, Kya’s actions align with her character’s history and her deep-seated need for connection and safety, making her reactions believable and emotionally resonant.
Example: Jude St. Francis in A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
In A Little Life, Jude St. Francis is a character shaped by a traumatic past that continuously affects his reactions to conflict. Jude’s responses are grounded in his experiences of abuse and abandonment, making them both heartbreaking and realistic. When faced with conflict or potential threats to his emotional safety, Jude often withdraws, resorts to self-harm, or becomes excessively secretive. His reactions reveal his deep-seated fear of vulnerability and his struggle to see himself as worthy of love and happiness. Jude’s complex processing of conflict—his internal battle between wanting connection and fearing it—adds depth to his character and makes his journey both tragic and compelling.
Example:Malorie Hayes in Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Malorie Hayes, the protagonist of Bird Box, faces a terrifying post-apocalyptic world where sight has become a liability. Her reactions to this life-threatening conflict are shaped by her fear, determination to survive, and maternal instincts to protect her children. When faced with choices that could mean life or death, Malorie reacts with caution, pragmatism, and a sense of urgency that reflects the gravity of her situation. She processes her fear and anxiety by focusing on practical survival strategies, revealing a realistic response to extreme fear and uncertainty. Her ability to remain calm under pressure while still exhibiting moments of doubt and panic makes her reactions relatable and grounded in reality.
Realistic reactions to conflict are essential in developing dynamic characters. When characters respond to challenges in ways that are consistent with their established personalities, fears, and goals, it adds depth and authenticity to their development. Characters like Addie LaRue, Ifemelu, Kya Clark, Jude St. Francis, and Malorie Hayes show how their reactions to conflict are not merely about immediate actions but involve a deeper internal process that reveals their complexities and drives their growth. These nuanced, believable reactions keep readers emotionally invested in the character’s journey, highlighting the transformative power of conflict in storytelling.
Consistent Yet Evolving
For a dynamic character to resonate with readers or viewers, their growth must be both consistent and evolving. This means that while characters undergo significant changes over the course of a story, these changes should align with their established personality traits, backstory, and motivations. A character’s evolution should feel like a natural progression, emerging from their experiences and conflicts rather than feeling abrupt or unearned. Consistent yet evolving character development ensures that the transformation is believable, maintaining the integrity of the character while providing a satisfying and authentic arc.
Why Is Consistent Yet Evolving Growth Important?
Maintains Character Integrity: Characters who remain true to their core traits and motivations, even as they change, feel more real and grounded. This consistency maintains the integrity of the character, making their journey more engaging and relatable.
Ensures Believability: If a character evolves in ways that contradict their established personality or without sufficient motivation, it breaks immersion and disrupts the narrative flow. Consistent yet evolving growth ensures that readers or viewers believe in the character’s transformation.
Provides a Natural Progression: Growth that feels organic allows readers to track the subtle shifts in a character’s behavior, thoughts, and decisions. These gradual changes are often more impactful because they mirror real-life growth, where people change over time in response to their experiences.
Enhances Emotional Investment: When a character’s evolution feels earned and aligns with their past, readers become more emotionally invested in their journey. They root for the character’s development, understanding the stakes and appreciating the struggle involved in their growth.
Creates a Cohesive Narrative Arc: Consistent yet evolving character development contributes to a cohesive narrative, where each step of the character’s journey builds logically on the last. This creates a well-rounded story where character and plot are interwoven seamlessly.
Example: Daisy Jones in Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones is a character whose growth throughout Daisy Jones & The Six is consistent with her established traits and backstory. At the start, Daisy is portrayed as a rebellious, free-spirited young woman who is confident in her talent but struggles with addiction and a sense of aimlessness. Her evolution into a more self-aware, grounded person is gradual and believable, rooted in her experiences with fame, love, and loss. Her eventual decision to walk away from her music career to find sobriety and peace aligns with her desire for self-fulfillment beyond the chaos of the rock-and-roll lifestyle. Daisy’s transformation feels natural because it builds on her inherent strength and determination while also reflecting her vulnerabilities and the lessons she learns along the way.
Example: Kelsea Glynn in The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
Kelsea Glynn’s character arc in The Queen of the Tearling is a powerful example of consistent yet evolving growth. Kelsea starts as a sheltered and inexperienced young woman suddenly thrust into the role of queen. Her evolution into a strong, decisive leader is consistent with her established sense of justice, intelligence, and moral integrity. Each decision Kelsea makes, from standing up to corrupt leaders to risking her life for her people, feels like a natural extension of her personality and values. Her growth is not instantaneous but unfolds through her struggles, victories, and introspection, ensuring that her transformation into a capable and respected ruler feels earned and believable.
Example: Evelyn Hugo in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo's journey in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is marked by consistent yet evolving growth. Throughout the novel, Evelyn is portrayed as a fiercely ambitious and complex woman who makes morally ambiguous decisions to achieve her goals. Her transformation, particularly in her later years, toward introspection and vulnerability, feels authentic because it is rooted in her life experiences, regrets, and the people she loves. Evelyn’s reflections on her choices and the cost of her ambition align with her established traits of pragmatism and self-awareness. Her character remains consistent—still ambitious, still shrewd—but she evolves to prioritize authenticity and truth over image, creating a believable and compelling arc.
Example: Connell Waldron in Normal People by Sally Rooney
In Normal People, Connell Waldron’s growth is a study in consistent yet evolving character development. Connell begins as a reserved, self-conscious teenager who struggles with his identity and self-worth. His relationship with Marianne and his experiences at university serve as catalysts for his gradual transformation. Connell’s growth is consistent with his personality—quiet, introspective, and often uncertain—but he evolves to become more self-assured and emotionally expressive. His journey from someone who is afraid to voice his feelings to someone who can confront his mental health issues and seek help is a natural progression shaped by his background, relationships, and internal conflicts, making his evolution feel authentic and true to his character.
Example: Evelyn Hardcastle in The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Evelyn Hardcastle in The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (also known as The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle in the U.S.) experiences a unique kind of character growth that is both consistent and evolving. While the novel's protagonist, Aiden Bishop, takes on different identities throughout the story, his core values—seeking justice, uncovering the truth, and breaking free from the cycle he’s trapped in—remain intact. His gradual understanding of the moral complexities of his situation and his growing empathy for other characters are consistent with his established personality. Aiden’s evolution is shaped by each identity he inhabits and each revelation he uncovers, making his character arc feel earned and true to his initial motivations.
Consistent yet evolving character development is crucial for creating dynamic, believable characters. By ensuring that a character’s growth aligns with their established traits, backstory, and experiences, writers can craft transformations that feel natural and engaging. Characters like Daisy Jones, Kelsea Glynn, Evelyn Hugo, Connell Waldron, and Aiden Bishop demonstrate how a well-crafted evolution—rooted in consistency—can lead to compelling, emotionally resonant storytelling. These characters’ arcs show that meaningful change is not about becoming someone entirely new but about evolving in ways that stay true to who they have always been.
Dynamic characters captivate audiences because they mirror the complexities of real life. They grow, struggle, make mistakes, and evolve, reflecting the human experience. By incorporating change over time, complex motivations, flaws, engaging relationships, moral dilemmas, realistic reactions to conflict, and consistent yet evolving development, writers can create characters who are not only memorable but resonate deeply with readers and viewers alike.