How Do Your Characters Grow?

A Main character is determined by the way in which they either change those around them or the way they change as the story progresses. I would say that even if they are primarily changing situations and persons around them, they will also change themselves, at least a little. How do you get them to change?

You first need to know what makes them tick and just what areas they need to change or mature. I had someone once complain that Selarial was too perfect, she needed some flaws in order to be believable and have room for growth. That was in an early draft, but they had missed the point. Or maybe they thought that sort of pride, verging on arrogance, was perfectly all right. I had to knock her down several times, but she eventually grew past it. Sort of.

It’s a lot easier to get our characters to change than it is real people. Writers can control events to encourage, or even force change. You have a character that’s timid and shy, but highly skilled in some area? Put them in a position where there skill is crucial and watch them bloom.

I suppose it’s more of a matter of having a conflict and plot that are compatible with the kind of change your character needs. Or having a having a character that can develop their potential through the conditions in your story.