In fiction what ways can the character be disclosed or developed?

Question

Why is it important to to be able to analyze a character??

Answer 1

Just like real people, fictional characters are defined by their actions, thoughts, what they say, and the decisions they make.

Good writers show you character details, rather than tell you.

John is an alcoholic jerk and a horrible father.

John finished his beer, and neatly lined the bottle up on the bar next to the three that were already empty. He turned off his cell phone just as it started to ring -- again. He wondered to himself whether it was worth going to the party late or not at all. Your son only turns five once, but the tongue-lashing he'd receive from his ex would be just too much. He ordered another beer, and tried to distract himself with the waitress' very short shorts.

Answer 2

Through visualization techniques. Impersonal study of one's surroundings--when involved with people.

But analyzing a character is sometimes important, and sometimes not. It's good to know what flaws he or she will have, but 'psychoanalyizing' them to death...*isn't*.

Otherwise, good character development is vital to the success of the story or the book.

No one likes 2-dimensional creations which lack substance.

Answer 3

Character can be disclose through his dialogue; outer manifestation and inner conflict, the idiosycracies, identity, which must not be overdone. See writers on line workshop/