LES MISERABLES ESSAY

   In the book Les Miserables there are two types of characters. I will talk about static and dynamic characters. The two characters I will talk about are Jean Valjean and The Bishop of Digne. 

    What makes a character dynamic is that he or she changes through out the story. Jean Valjean started off as a man carrying for his sister and her children. He later on went to prison for stealing a loaf of bread and got sentenced to more years after trying to escape. Prison made Jean Valjean a tough, man with no fear or sense of emotion. When Jean Valjean was released from prison he was robbed by the government. He ends up staying at the bishop's house after so many people rejected him from staying at their houses. Later that night Jean Valjean stole the bishops silver, he was captured by the police and tooken back to the bishop's house and the bishop said that he gave Jean Valjean the silver. Jean Valjean was surprised by what the bishop had said. Later on Jean Valjean steps on a little kids coin and doesn't give it back. The little kid asks Jean Valjean a question but Jean Valjeans spaces out. When the little kid leaves Jean Valjean shows a soft part as he starts crying. Jean Valjean changed three times through out the short period of the story. This character changes because of what he experiences and how cruel the world has treated him. Jean Valjeans evolution will affect the book by characters changing when least expected.
    What makes a static character is that this character doesn't change through out the story. The bishop is a great example of a static character because he is always nice to everyone and doesn't expect anything in return. The bishop gives money to people that need it and he keeps a very small portion for himself. He also treats everyone equally even if they aren't good people. The bishop doesn't lock his door because he trust that no one would break in an steal things. This character doesn't change because he is fair to everyone and knows that nothing will happen to him. This characters evolution affects the book by adding a sense of equality.
    Thirdly I will talk about how these characters are similar and different. Jean Valjean and the bishop have some similarities. Jean Valjean used to be a caring, sympathetic guy until he went to prison. The bishop is a caring sympathetic guy that treats everyone equally. Jean Valjean showed a soft side when he stole a little kids coin. He was crying because he felt bad. Jean Valjean steals while the bishop gives money to people like the poor. Both Jean Valjean and The Bishop of Digne have a soft side in them. Their evolution on the story will affect it alot by showing good and bad sides in the characters.
    In conclusion I believe that static and dynamic characters make a huge impact on books and movies. Its better to have different types of characters so the book or movie is more interesting.