Essay on Dune: Paul Atreides as a Dynamic Character

The year was 1965, and a persistent author that went by the name of Frank Herbert had just published the book Dune, a futuristic dystopian novel. Needless to say, the book was a major success; it won the Hugo Award in 1966, as well the Nebula Award for the best novel. The question was then asked; what made Dune so captivating and interesting? Of course, the plot had to be a contributing factor, as that is a factor for all popularized books. However, another aspect of the book that was capturing was its characters, more specifically, Paul Atreides, the main character. Now, Paul Atreides isn't exactly a static character, which makes things more convoluting.  He is dynamic, and that is something people enjoy when reading stories like Dune. Moreover, Atreides is dynamic because as the story progresses, he becomes compassionate, courageous, and loyal to his friends and loved ones, all noble aspects main characters should have.

One notable and dynamic attribute about Paul Atreides is that he learns that it is important to be compassionate, and to use this compassion to form allies.  On Arrakis, Paul carries a heavy burden; he is the so-called “Chosen one,” the  Kwisatz Haderach, the one who will bring peace and prosperity to the harsh deserted planet. As things go south for the House of Atreides, Paul realizes that he must make friendly relations with the Fremen, the indiginous inhabitants of the planet, and even with his own mother. In a moment of rage, Paul goes off on his mother, blaming her for everything he's gone through. He realizes that he is scaring his mother, and tries to calm himself down and relax a little bit. Herbert writes, “He studied the dark shadow of her, seeing her fear and every reaction with his new awareness as though she were outlined in blinding light. A beginning of compassion for her crept over him” (Herbert 200 - 201). He realises that he let this anger get the better of him, and that he wants to do better. Another example of his heightened compassion when he is with his wife-to-be, Chani. They are alone, and in this time, she professes her love- and fear of Paul and their future together. Paul senses this fear, and his compassion only grows stronger. Herbert writes, “A profound compassion for her swept through him. He pulled her against him, stroked her head. ‘Chani, Chani, don’t fear’” (Herbert 363). His ability to calm others down when they are scared shows how far he has come in terms of compassion. Another noticeable and dynamic attribute from Paul is his newfound courage, especially considering his age (that being 15 - 17 years old.) He does many impressive feats, like accepting a duel, riding a sandworm, and even challenging the Emperor himself to the throne. Last but not least, Paul Atreides shows growth in his fierce and undying loyalty to his friends and his loved ones. During an interaction between him and Kynes, just before a brutal attack, he professes his extreme loyalty to Kynes, in exchange for receiving loyalty from him. Herbert states, “‘It could be a fault in their [Harkonnen] education,’ Paul said. ‘You say you’re not for sale, but I believe I’ve the coin you’ll accept. For your loyalty I offer my loyalty to you… totally’” (Herbert 225). Paul shows here how much loyalty he is willing to submit in order for the same loyalty to be shown right back at him. He reminds his peers of his loyalty even when he is doubted of it, “‘Stilgar heard me swear my loyalty to him when we consecrated the Fedaykin,’ Paul said. ‘My death commandos know I spoke with honor’“ (Herbert 407). Even in the face of denial and unamusement, he remains strong and loyal. Paul is not the entitled, scared little boy that he was on Caladan; he has become a strong, willing man, a glorified leader, a destined savior. Conclusively, his whole dynamic has changed, thus proving him as the dynamic character that he is, and that he was always meant to be.