* She undergoes significant change: At the start of the story, Ariel is a rebellious, impulsive mermaid who desires the human world. She makes a deal with Ursula, a sea witch, to become human, but this decision leads to many challenges and ultimately changes her perspective on life.
* She learns and grows: Through her experiences as a human, Ariel learns about love, responsibility, and the importance of family. She also learns that the grass isn't always greener on the other side.
* Her motivation changes: Initially, Ariel's motivation is purely selfish – she wants to be human because she's fascinated by their world. However, after meeting Prince Eric, her motivation becomes more selfless, as she begins to love him and wants to be with him, regardless of the sacrifices she has to make.
In contrast, a static character remains the same throughout the story. While some characters in the story, like Ursula, remain relatively unchanged, Ariel's journey of self-discovery and growth makes her a clear example of a dynamic character.