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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 stereotyped or mnemonic characters, being defined by only one striking feature even after the end of their stories. The great problem of The Casual Vacancy is investing in several characters of this type, hoping that to observe their chores and personal problems is enough.
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, initiating a dispute to occupy the place. [...]