Final answer:
In "Hard Times," Mr. James Harthouse is considered a flat and static character because he does not display significant growth or complexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the book "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens, Mr. James Harthouse is best described as a flat and static character. A flat character is often one-dimensional and embodies a single idea or quality. They are easily summarized and stay consistent throughout the story, much like a caricature. For example, to illustrate a flat character, E.M. Forster in Aspects of the Novel describes Mrs. Micawber from Dickens' David Copperfield with a singular defining sentence and consistent behavior, which can be parallel to how one might describe Mr. Harthouse.
On the other hand, round characters are those with more complexity and depth, often showing a range of emotions and development similar to a real person. These characters are dynamic which means they undergo a significant change throughout the story. For example, Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a round and dynamic character because the story showcases her personal growth and change in attitudes.
Mr. Harthouse does not exhibit significant personal growth or changes in the novel, making him a static character. Therefore, he lacks the depth and evolution that would categorize him as round or dynamic.