Look for characters who are well-rounded and complex, with a range of emotions, motivations, and flaws.
2. Growth and Change:
Character development is about change, so readers should look for characters who evolve over the course of a story, learning from their experiences and growing as people.
3. Consistency:
Characters should be consistent with themselves and their actions. Readers should be able to understand why characters make certain choices and react the way they do.
4. Internal Conflict:
Compelling characters often have internal conflicts, such as battling with moral dilemmas or struggling to overcome their own fears and weaknesses.
5. Relatability:
Readers are more likely to engage with characters they can relate to, either through shared experiences or similar personality traits.
6. Character Motivations:
Strong characters have clear motivations driving their actions. Readers should understand what drives a character's choices, whether it's a desire for power, revenge, or something more complex.
7. Believable Reactions:
Characters should react to situations in a way that feels plausible given their personality and background. Readers should be able to understand and accept the characters' decisions.
8. Impact on the Story:
Characters should have a meaningful impact on the story. Their presence should drive the plot forward and contribute to the overall narrative.
9. Subtext and Symbolism:
Authors may use subtext or symbolism to add layers of meaning to character development. Readers should pay attention to the details and underlying messages in a character's journey.
10. Artistic Interpretation:
Character development is an art form, and every reader will interpret characters in their own way. Ultimately, the best character development is the one that resonates most deeply with the reader.