Final answer:
Dudley and Filby are secondary characters in H.G. Wells's 'The Time Machine' who can be described as flat and static, as they do not undergo significant change or development throughout the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
In H.G. Wells's The Time Machine, the characters Dudley and Filby can be analyzed based on their complexity and their development throughout the story. When looking at either one, we can describe them as either flat or round characters, and as either static or dynamic. A flat character is relatively uncomplicated and does not change throughout the story, while a round character is complex and undergoes development, sometimes sufficiently to surprise the reader in a convincing way.
Based on their appearances in the story, both Dudley and Filby are secondary characters who do not undergo significant changes or development, making them more akin to flat characters. They serve mainly to contribute to the discussions surrounding the Time Traveller's experiences and to reflect the skepticism of Victorian society towards scientific ideas that challenged conventional understanding. As such, they are also static characters because they remain the same throughout the story, without significant growth or variation in their personalities or views.
Their characterization is conveyed through their dialogue, behavior towards others, and role in the story. These aspects do not shift dramatically, reinforcing the notion that Dudley and Filby are static and flat. They are there to support the story's exploration of larger themes, such as the nature of time and the potential for human progress or regression. These characters are not the focus of character development, which is reserved for the Time Traveller himself. The assumptions about their character types are based on the absence of personal story arcs or transformations, as the narrative focus remains on the protagonist and the broader themes he experiences.