Give details from Beowulf that support the claim that Grendel is a flat character.

Flat and static characters are somewhat necessary in
texts. While their lack of description provides readers with little to no information
about the character, many are stock characters that readers immediately recognize (even
with the limited description).

In regards to the character
of Grendel in Beowulf, one could make very different arguments
regarding him being a flat character. One cannot argue his existence as a static
character though (he never changes--he lives as an antagonist and God-hater and dies as
an antagonist and God-hater). While one could argue the flatness of his character based
upon his or her belief that he is one dimensional (lacking depth; superficial), another
person could argue that he is not superficial or lacking of depth.

Argument For Grendel Being a Flat
Character

By definition, a flat character is
one which is not defined or described fully yet fulfills a narrative purpose. When
applying this definition, Grendel is most certainly a flat character. He is not really
defined literally (for some), and his character is used to prove Beowulf's heroic
nature.

Argument Against Grendel Being a
Flat Character

In chapter one of the text,
Grendel's background is clearly defined. The ancestor of Cain, he has been banished by
God to live in darkness. The description of Grendel's character is given as one which
describes him as "full of envy and anger," tormented by the praise of God heard at
Heorot. His exile forced him to dwell in darkness, surrounded by other monsters.

In chapter eleven, the utter strength of Grendel is
described. He is able to gain access to Heorot, which is chained and bolted with steel,
through simply hitting the doors with his fists. Grendel can devour a full grown man
easily. This said, Grendel also shows his surprise when Beowulf grabs him.

During their battle, Beowulf and Grendel all but destroy the mead hall.

Given these descriptions, one could consider Grendel to be
a round character (the opposite of a flat character). A round character is defined as a
character whose personality, background, motives, and other features are fully
delineated by the author.According to this definition, Grendel is a round character. His
background is given (his ancestry to Cain and exile from God's light), as is his
personality (envious and angry) and motives (taking out his anger on the people of
Heorot given his exile).