A static character is a type of character in a story who experiences little to no internal change over the course of the story. They are the opposite of dynamic characters, who undergo significant internal and/or external changes throughout the story. Static characters do not grow as a person, learn anything new, or change their personality throughout the story. However, static characters can still be well-developed, have a unique personality, add nuance to a story, provide a foil to the protagonist, and move the plot along. They are not necessarily simplistic, one-dimensional, or flat. Static characters can serve a particular purpose in relation to the protagonist, such as creating conflict, building drama, or providing context. While most authors opt for a dynamic protagonist, static characters are essential in almost any narrative.