Essential Information (often driving the plot):
* Secret Identities/Hidden Agendas: Does the protagonist need to know the villain is secretly their long-lost sibling? Does a seemingly innocent bystander have a dark secret that could jeopardize the mission?
* Critical Skills/Abilities: Does the team need to know that one member is a master strategist, another a skilled combatant, and a third a tech expert to succeed in their quest?
* Weaknesses/Vulnerabilities: Knowing a character's fears, insecurities, or physical limitations can be crucial for both plot development and character interaction. A villain might exploit a hero's vulnerability, or a friend might offer support based on that weakness.
* Motivations/Goals: Understanding each character's desires and aspirations is vital. Are they working towards the same goal? Are their goals in conflict? Do their motivations overlap or contradict?
* Trustworthiness/Loyalty: Is this character a friend, foe, or something in between? Can they be relied upon? This is crucial for alliances, betrayals, and plot twists.
* Relevant Past Experiences: Past traumas, relationships, or events can heavily influence present actions and motivations. A character's past might explain their current behavior or provide a key to unlocking a mystery.
Information that Enhances Character Development and Relationships:
* Personal Beliefs/Values: Understanding a character's moral code helps to shape their actions and reactions to situations, influencing their relationships with other characters.
* Personality Traits: Knowing if a character is impulsive, cautious, empathetic, or cynical helps to predict their behavior and informs the reader's understanding of their relationships.
* Relationships with Other Characters: The nature of their relationships – familial, romantic, professional, adversarial – dictates how they interact and the information they share or withhold.
* Hopes and Dreams: Knowing a character's aspirations allows the reader to understand their motivations and empathize with their journey.
* Hidden Strengths: A character might have unexpected talents or resilience that become apparent only at critical moments. This might be crucial for the plot or for strengthening relationships.
Examples:
* Mystery Novel: The detective needs to know the suspects' alibis, their relationships to the victim, and their potential motives.
* Romance Novel: The two main characters need to learn about each other's emotional baggage, relationship history, and hopes for the future.
* Fantasy Novel: The heroes need to learn about the villain's powers, weaknesses, and ultimate goal to defeat them.
The key is that the information revealed (or withheld) should serve the story's purpose, driving the plot forward, deepening character relationships, and creating tension and suspense. The information exchange between characters is a vital tool for building narrative momentum and satisfying the reader.