In the play Cosi, by Louis Nowra, the characters are developed in a way that they help the reader or viewer grasp an understanding of the main issues dealt with. This is also achieved by some of the characters remaining static throughout the play, that is, they do not develop greatly or change in a way that will affect their attitudes and values and view on the issues presented. Issues of society's perception of the mentally ill, and attitudes toward the Vietnam war in 1971 are presented to the audience through the development of Henry, a non-speaking mental patient who's father fought against communism in Korea and Lewis, the director of the play who is lured to the task by the money, but finds there is much more to be learnt about these patients. Static characters also help the reader or audience to understand these issues, such as Nick and Lucy, whose sole focus is protest against the Vietnam War, and support the communist organization, the Vietcong. Nowra has skillfully developed these characters to help the audience to clearly understand these issues concerning the mentally ill, love and the Vietnam War.
Henry is a character who develops dramatically throughout the play, from being non-speaking and submissive, to resorting to violence towards Nick when he learns of Nick's support for the communist organization, the Vietcong. At the beginning of Cosi, Henry is very quiet. He barely speaks and seems to be under some influence by Roy, another patient. This is evident on page 8, where Henry gets up to leave after hearing what play Roy wants to perform, showing his disapproval. Roy instantly yells, "Henry!" and Henry obediently sits back down. Another example of this is on page 27, after Henry refuses to speak his part. Lewis tries to tell him that he must want to do the play, because he is at the rehearsal. Henry's response was, "Hhhhhee made me dddddo it.", showing how submissive Henry is.
