Why is Montresor not a dynamic character in The Cask of Amontillado?

Answer 1

Montresor is an unreliable narrator because there are indications that he is either insane or the possessor of an overactive imagination. The indications come from Montresor's words and Fortunato's actions. Montresor begins the story by telling that he has suffered a thousand injuries at the hand of Fortunato , but now Fortunato has also insulted him. For that, Montresor seeks revenge and plans to murder Fortunato. The problem is that Montresor gives no details of these injuries or insults, leaving the reader to wonder if he is imagining all of it. Another indication that no such behavior ever occurred is found in Fortunato's behavior when he runs into Montresor at the carnival. Fortunato is friendly and gracious. He offers to leave the carnival to help Montresor test this Amontillado Montresor says he might have. In the cellar Fortunato suspects nothing untoward from Montresor even though they discuss Montresor's family motto which is that they will not allow anyone to insult the family. Surely, if Fortunato had acted so badly toward Montresor he would not have offered his help and would not have been so blind to the possibility that Montresor would uphold the family honor deep down in the cellar where Montresor could exact revenge with no one knowing about it. And that is just what happens.

Answer 2

Montresor is not a dynamic character in "The Cask of Amontillado" because he does not undergo any significant change or growth throughout the story. He remains focused on his revenge against Fortunato and does not show any inner conflicts or development in his personality or beliefs. His motivations and behavior remain constant from beginning to end.