Well, in character - driven novels, one important element is the character's goals. Whether it's a short - term goal like winning a competition in a high - school - based novel, or a long - term goal such as finding a sense of purpose in life. Their emotions are also key. Happy, sad, angry, or confused emotions can lead to different actions. Take 'Pride and Prejudice' for example. Elizabeth Bennet's pride and Mr. Darcy's prejudice are their emotional states that drive the story. And character arcs, which show the development from one state to another, are essential in these novels.
The main elements in character - driven novels are the characters themselves. Their backstories play a big part. A character's past can influence their actions and decisions in the present. Another key element is the internal conflict within a character. It could be a moral dilemma or a struggle with self - identity. For instance, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield's internal turmoil about growing up and the 'phoniness' of the adult world is what really moves the story along. And of course, the character's voice, how they speak and think, is also important.
In character - driven novels, the key elements often include complex and well - developed characters. Their personalities, motives, and desires are central. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Scout's innocent yet perceptive view shapes the story. Also, character growth throughout the narrative is crucial. Characters face conflicts that force them to change or reevaluate their beliefs. And the relationships between characters, like friendship, love, or enmity, add depth and drive the plot forward.