Here's a breakdown:
* Character development: This is a broad term that encompasses all the ways a character changes and grows throughout a story. It includes their motivations, relationships, flaws, and triumphs.
* Character arc: This refers to the specific path a character takes as they evolve in the story. It can be linear (a simple progression), non-linear (a more complex journey with ups and downs), or even cyclical (returning to a similar state at the end).
These terms are often used interchangeably, but "character arc" specifically focuses on the journey itself.