Gene is a dynamic character because dynamic characters
change over the course of the book.
Gene enters the story
experiencing a flashback. Quite often, when a character is looking back, the purpose is
to precisely demonstrate the change that took place in them. The storyline then moves
him from a critically introspective and dilligent scholar to a much less than
compassionate friend to Finny. Gene really struggles in the beginning of the book with
Finny's attitude about breaking the rules. Finny cares little about being on time,
attending class, and doing homework. All of these are necessary in Gene's world. They
are moral issues.
This is interesting because throughout
the book, much more serious moral issues don't seem to affect Gene's conscience enough
to do the right thing about them. For example, he pushes his best friend out of a tree,
allows it to be assumed that it was an accident, and then demonstrates less than care
twice when Finny's injuries bind him.
Gene changes from
moral to immoral. He changes from adoring and having great respect for a friend to
having and showing very little respect for his friend.
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