Definition: Static characters are minor characters in a work of fiction who do not undergo substantial change or growth in the course of a story. Also referred to as "two-dimensional characters" or "flat characters," they play a supporting role to the main character, who as a rule should be round, or complex.
Though we don't generally strive to write static characters, they are often necessary in a story, along with round characters. Take, for example, Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. He serves a vital role in the story of how Elizabeth and Darcy get together, and he provides comedy, but his character stays essentially unchanged. (In fact, that’s part of what makes him funny.)
How do you go about creating round characters rather than static ones? Creating complex, believable characters takes time and thought, of course, so get started by answering these questions for developing characters.