What is a “static character” in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?

In "Night" by Elie Wiesel, a "static character" is a character who remains largely unchanged throughout the story, often serving as a foil to the protagonist and highlighting their own development or lack thereof. One example of a static character in "Night" is Elie's father, Shlomo. From the very beginning of the book, Shlomo is portrayed as a loving and caring father who is deeply concerned for his son's safety and well-being. Despite the horrific events that unfold around them, Shlomo maintains this same demeanor throughout the book. Even as he and Elie are transported from one concentration camp to another and subjected to unspeakable atrocities, Shlomo remains steadfast in his love for his son and his desire to keep him alive.

While Shlomo's character is certainly important to the story, he does not undergo any significant changes or development as the narrative progresses. This serves to highlight the immense changes that Elie undergoes throughout the book. At the beginning of the story, Elie is a devout young man with a strong connection to his faith and his community. However, as he is forced to confront the horrors of the concentration camps and witness the atrocities that are being committed, his faith is shattered and his worldview is forever changed. By the end of the book, Elie has undergone a profound transformation, becoming a different person entirely.

Thus, the static character of Shlomo serves to emphasize the profound changes that Elie undergoes over the course of the book, highlighting the power of the human spirit to endure even the most unimaginable circumstances.