Sections
A tiger never changes its stripes. This is the great problem of flat characters: they do not change, they do not evolve, which may end up giving little purpose to their journeys. They are usually either stereotyped or mnemonic characters, being defined by their one or two notable traits even after the end of their stories. The great sin of The Casual Vacancy is investing in several similar characters, hoping that observing their chores and personal problems is a fascinating proposition. It is not.
The book begins with the death of Barry Fairbrother, a member of the District Council of the small town of Pagford. The fatality opens a vacancy in the city’s council, [...]