Character Development: Definition and Tips for a Great Story

3/20/2023

Character Development: Definition and Tips for a Great Story

Find out the character development definition, plus powerful techniques to write great protagonists, allies, and opponents.

For even more knowledge on writing, check out my Premium Blueprint Course.

What is the character development definition?

The definition of character development is a writer giving a character a blend of traits that makes the character feel human.

The same definition holds for non-human characters, like talking animals in a fantasy story - the more human these animals feel, the better. Fictional stories rely on character development, as do narrative non-fiction ones. Even if a character in a non-fiction story is based on a real person, the writer still needs to develop that character so the audience can understand what that person is like.

Good character development does not favor making a character feel like one type of human vs. another. As long as the character feels real, they can be considered developed.

What types of traits are used in character development?

Three key types of traits are used in character development: the physical, mental, and cultural. Physical traits entail a character's appearance and bodily capabilities. Mental traits involve a character's disposition and psychological capabilities. Cultural traits entail the context in which the character lives (ex, what's their career), plus has lived through life (ex, what kind of town did they grow up in).

Making a character feel real isn't enough

A character feeling real simply means the character is developed. That does not guarantee the character will be great. For instance, a character can feel real, yet still be boring.

To create a great character, a writer needs to go further than basic realism. One tactic I recommend is the use of contradictions. A character with various traits that seem the opposite of each other becomes more interesting. For example, a character may be a loving family man at home, yet has a job smashing people's kneecaps for the mafia. This contradiction suggests the character has a wide range of humanity within himself, which raises the audience's curiosity about the person.

In my video clips below, find even more tips for making your protagonists, allies, and opponents interesting...