What is character development in a short story?

Character development in a short story is how a character changes over the course of the narrative. For instance, a shy character might become more confident by facing challenges in the story.

One important element is the character's arc. This is the journey the character takes throughout the story. For example, a character might start off as greedy but through various experiences, becomes more selfless. The relationships the character has also matter. If a character has a mentor, how that relationship affects the character's growth is an important part of the story. Additionally, the setting can play a role in character development. A harsh environment might force a character to become tougher.

I'm not sure about Toseland's specific rank. It might depend on various factors within the story.

Character development is how a character changes and grows throughout a story. It makes them more complex and interesting.

The short story originated from the need to convey a concise message or an interesting anecdote. Early forms can be seen in the parables of religious texts. In terms of development, different regions had their own influence. In Asia, for instance, there were short story forms that were rich in cultural and philosophical elements. In the West, the short story evolved with the changing literary trends. It became a medium for exploring human nature, society, and relationships. Writers like Anton Chekhov used the short story to depict the subtleties of human emotions and the complexity of social situations in a relatively short space.

The short story has a long history that can be traced back to ancient times. Different cultures have had their own forms of short narrative works.

One key element is the character's goal. If a character is striving for something, like a promotion at work in a short story, it drives their actions and decisions, thus developing their character. Another is the character's flaws. These make them more human. For example, a character who is overly proud might refuse help when they actually need it, and this flaw can lead to their growth or downfall. Also, the character's change over time, no matter how small, is crucial for development.

First, create a unique character with a clear goal. For example, a shy girl who wants to be a famous singer. Then, put the character in various situations like auditions or music classes. Show how she overcomes her shyness, maybe by getting support from a kind teacher. This way, the character develops as the story progresses.

In a novelette, there is more space for character development. Characters can grow and change over the course of the story in a more complex way. In a short story, character development is often more limited due to the shorter length. It might focus on one aspect of a character's personality or a single transformation.

There may be a character who is developing in terms of their goals. In the excerpt, if there are signs that the character is re - evaluating their goals, either making them more ambitious or more realistic, this is an important aspect of character development. Maybe they realize their old goals were not fulfilling or achievable, and so they are in the process of changing them.