Consistent Characterisation, Part II: Growth and Change

In real life, we are constantly learning and adapting to the world around us. Fictional characters do the same-- faced with life-changing conflict, they modify their behaviours, their views, and their self-image. So how to we reconcile the necessity of character growth and change with the fixed nature of basic personality I talked about on Monday?

A large part of this is making the nature and direction of the character's change be consistent with their core personality. No two characters should react to the a situation the same way, and if the change in a character's outlook or behaviour is consistent with their focal personality traits, it will make sense.

Also, remember that the character doesn't need a complete overhaul. Growth can be subtle and gradual, and may be centred on one aspect of their lives. Assuming they don't sustain major chemical or physical damage to their brains, they should still be fundamentally the same person they were at the start.