Character development

Definition

Character development is the process of creating a believable, relatable, and evolving character in a narrative. This involves revealing the character's personality, motivations, backstory, and growth throughout the story. It allows audiences to connect emotionally with characters and understand their journeys, which is particularly important in the context of drama as it drives the plot and engages viewers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character development became more prominent during the emergence of secular drama as playwrights sought to create complex characters that reflected real human emotions and experiences.
2. Secular drama shifted focus from religious themes to human experiences, allowing for deeper exploration of individual characters and their motivations.
3. Interludes often featured stock characters, but as secular drama evolved, these characters became more nuanced and relatable.
4. Playwrights like Shakespeare revolutionized character development by creating multi-dimensional characters who experience internal conflicts and growth.
5. Effective character development can enhance themes in a play, making it easier for audiences to connect with the story on a personal level.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of secular drama influence character development compared to earlier forms of theatre?
  • The emergence of secular drama marked a shift from purely religious themes to stories centered on human experiences, leading to more nuanced character development. Unlike earlier theatre, where characters were often archetypal and one-dimensional, secular drama allowed playwrights to explore complex motivations and emotional depth. This evolution enabled audiences to relate to characters on a personal level, enhancing their investment in the narrative.
• Discuss the role of stock characters in interludes and how they evolved into more developed characters in secular drama.
  • In interludes, stock characters were commonly used for comedic relief or moral lessons, often lacking depth or complexity. However, as secular drama progressed, playwrights began to develop these stock characters into multi-faceted individuals with unique personalities and arcs. This evolution allowed for richer storytelling and deeper audience engagement, as viewers could see their own struggles reflected in these well-rounded characters.
• Evaluate how Shakespeare's approach to character development changed the landscape of theatre during this period.
  • Shakespeare's innovative approach to character development transformed theatre by introducing deeply human characters who faced internal struggles and moral dilemmas. His ability to blend poetic language with relatable emotions allowed audiences to empathize with his characters on multiple levels. This shift not only set a new standard for character complexity but also paved the way for future playwrights to explore psychological depth in their own works, fundamentally changing how stories are told in theatre.

Related terms

Protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing challenges and undergoing significant change throughout the narrative.

Antagonist: A character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and driving character development.

Arc: The transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story, reflecting their growth or decline.