1. Show, Don't Tell:
* Actions: The most powerful way to develop a character is through their actions. We learn about someone's personality, values, and even their flaws by observing how they react to situations, make choices, and interact with others.
* Dialogue: Dialogue can reveal a character's personality, education, social standing, and even their relationship with others. The way they speak, their vocabulary, and their tone all contribute to their development.
* Internal Monologue: By giving the reader access to a character's thoughts and feelings, the author can reveal their inner world without explicitly stating their personality traits.
2. Indirect Characterization:
* Physical Appearance: While not directly revealing personality, an author might use a character's appearance (clothing, posture, expressions) to hint at their temperament or social status.
* Setting and Objects: The environment a character inhabits and the objects they surround themselves with can reflect their personality, interests, and values.
* Reactions of Others: How other characters react to and interact with a particular individual can reveal their personality and the way others perceive them.
3. Focus on Contrasts and Gaps:
* Contradictions: By showing a character behaving inconsistently or having conflicting desires, the author creates a sense of complexity and depth.
* Unresolved Questions: Leaving certain aspects of a character's personality ambiguous or unanswered can pique the reader's curiosity and encourage them to infer their own conclusions.
* Hidden Past: Alluding to a character's past without providing specific details can create an aura of mystery and encourage the reader to imagine their history.
Example:
Instead of directly stating that a character is "kind," an author might show them:
* Offering a stranger a ride on a rainy day
* Sharing their lunch with a hungry coworker
* Visiting a sick friend in the hospital
These actions paint a more vivid picture of the character's kindness than a simple statement ever could.
In essence, the key is to *show* the reader who the character is through their actions, reactions, and environment rather than explicitly *telling* them. This method allows for greater nuance and creates a more engaging and multi-dimensional character.