In the book, Tangerine, written by Edward Bloor, the main character Paul goes through many changes and makes many decisions that affect the plot tremendously. As you can see, Paul is a great example of a dynamic character. Whether it be how he talks, acts, thinks, and looks, all will change because of major events in the book. Sometimes Paul makes plot changing decisions without even knowing it, being his own influence.
Paul's appearance does not change over time, but his unchanging style shows a certain independence amongst his character. In the book, he truly shows that the content of someone's character is worth more than someone's appearance. A great example of this logic would be when Paul is picked on by Erik and his friends for wearing his thick glasses and calling him "Eclipse Boy." The ridiculing didn't bother Paul much because he was more hurt by the fact that his brother would not stand up for him and chose to laugh instead.
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When thinking deeply about a problem, you are thinking about the possible outcomes that could result from the various choices you have. Since Tangerine is written as journal entries by the main character, we can see all the thoughts he has about various conflicts in the book. Paul's deep thinking is one thing that does not change throughout the course of the story, but the way in which he expresses himself expands drastically. As we know, Paul is more shy and timid at the beginning of the book, but as he makes more and more friends (and enemies) he will come across growing conflicts which he constantly contemplates and discusses with other characters.
Identifying and thinking about a conflict is important, but putting your plan into motion is just as important. The definition of thinking and doing differentiates in Paul's mind from the beginning to the end of Tangerine. Paul is not only less social at the beginning of the book, but he is also inactive, mainly thinking about how he will fit into society at Tangerine. He also expects other to fix his problems, but as he grows he will find that the best way to get something done is to do it himself.
Various characters have different opinions on Paul. The character interaction in Tangerine builds the plot and shapes Paul's character, being either positive or negative. These positive influences (Luis, Theresa, etc.) look at Paul as someone with great potential, bettering the Paul's self concept. The negative influences on Paul (Erik, Joey, etc.) come from the fear of Paul's power. When Erik commits acts of dishonesty and violence, he tries to pick on Paul to keep him in check so that Paul doesn't report Erik. As Paul evolves, you realize that Paul has the power to do so much in Tangerine and that other characters within the book recognize his potential as well.
Paul's dynamic character both affects the plot and shapes the plot. The change is imperative in how the story is begins, resolves, and concludes. If Paul were not socially accepted at the beginning of the book, he would not have been able to find his place in society and socially accept himself. This change is imperative in developing the plot and Paul's character so without it, there wouldn't be a conflict in the world of Tangerine.
