The Simplest Character Development Defintion

Editors talk a lot about character development in writing, but what does it actually mean? What is the simplest character development definition?

Character development definition is that the character is functioning like a real living and breathing human being. They might start out as an archetype or a trope—the frightening old herb-woman who lives in the woods and mutters curses, or the reclusive genius who seldom emerges from the laboratory—but that needs to only be the start.

Real people are complex. We act differently depending on who we’re with and what we’re doing. We have quirks and inconsistencies. Maybe the witch in the woods ice skates on the frozen pond to burn off energy. Maybe the reclusive genius loves musical theater singalongs with his nephews and chitchats with waiters those nights only, thanks to his happy childhood memories of singing Oklahoma! and slurping down milkshakes. These stock characters are more interesting already!

To craft an interesting, real character, consider these angles:

1. Backstory

This character didn’t spring from Zeus’s head fully formed (probably). Where did they grow up? What was their childhood like? What are their experiences from the past that have shaped them into the person they are today?

2. Wounds

Not all those experiences were good. What are some of the wounds this character carries, hidden or visible?

3. Traits

What is their personality like? Are they bold or reserved, traditional or free-spirited, logical or emotional?

4. Strengths

What are their strengths? Do they recognize them? Do others?

5. Weaknesses

Like strengths, these can be of large or small magnitude.

6. Goals

Perhaps the most crucial element. A character who wants nothing is pretty boring. What is it that this character desires?

7. Beliefs

Who is this character at a fundamental level? What are their deeply held beliefs about how the world functions, what their role is, and what matters most?

8. Physical Appearance

What do they look like? What are their physical capabilities? How does it affect their daily life?

Try addressing each of these points when crafting a character. It doesn’t all need to be explained the first time the character appears on the page. Some of it won’t make it onto the page at all! But by incorporating these different aspects of a person, our character development definition encompasses their totality rather than leaving them flat and one-dimensional.

If you’re struggling with character development definition, reach out to me for help!