What’s the difference between character development and characterization?

Character development and characterization are two closely related concepts in fiction writing. However, there is a subtle difference between the two terms. Character development refers to the changes that a character undergoes over the course of a story. These physical, emotional, or psychological changes are all part of the character’s arc. For example, a character might start out as shy and timid, but by the end of the story, they might become more confident and outgoing.

Meanwhile, characterization refers to the way that a writer reveals a character’s personality, motivations, and background. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as:

• Direct characterization (“telling”): The writer directly tells the reader about the character’s traits. For example, the writer might say, “Audra was shy and timid.”
• Indirect characterization (“showing”): The writer shows the reader what the character is like through their actions, words, and thoughts. For example, the writer might show the character being hesitant to speak up in a group, or they might have the character think about how they are afraid of being judged by others.
• Setting: The setting can also be used to characterize a character. For example, a character who is always found in dark and gloomy places might be characterized as being depressed or pessimistic.

Character development and characterization are both important aspects of fiction writing. Character development helps make the characters more believable and relatable, while characterization helps create a clear picture of the characters in the reader’s mind. Effective characterization helps readers connect with the characters and become invested in their journey.

Good characterization also creates a sense of realism – or verisimilitude – in the story, making characters feel like real people with unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. By using character development and characterization effectively, writers can create believable and relatable characters that will keep readers engaged in their stories.

It Had To Happen is now available in print and on Kindle!

Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.