Edna Pontellier: A Dynamic Character

        
          Characters in novels are categorized into two types of characters: Static and Dynamic. Static characters stay the same and have no drastic change throughout the story, while dynamic characters goes through a transformation as the story progresses. And in the novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin, the main character Edna Pontellier goes through a massive transformation throughout the course of the story line. In the beginning, Edna lived in her husband’s shadow, did what he said, and never really stood up for herself as an individual. This is evident when her husband insists she goes to check on their son because he is sure that the boy has a fever. Even when Edna knows Raoul has no fever— she does it anyway just to please her husband and avoid further conflict. In this situation, it appears that Mr. Pontellier has complete control over Mrs. Pontellier, and she does not do anything about it.
            In a later situation though, Edna does what she pleases, and practically defies her husband’s insistence unlike she did in the early scene. “’ This is more than folly,’ he blurted out. ‘I can’t permit you to stay out there all night. You must come in the house instantly.’” This was said by her husband Leonce, and is another example of him commanding his wife, but this time she doesn’t give in and responds with, ”’Leonce, go to bed,’ she said. ‘ I mean to stay out here. I don’t wish to go in, and I don’t intend to. Don’t speak to me like that again; I shall not answer you’” (Chopin 78). This change in response and character is evident and the difference between her reactions to his demands in the two situations are prime examples of how she is a dynamic character