What is the purpose of character development in a story?

The purpose of character development in a story is to show changes in a character's personality or perspective. This aspect of storytelling allows readers to see how and why a character evolves throughout the narrative, influenced by the events they experience and the challenges they face. As characters grow and change, it can deepen the reader's engagement with the story, providing insight into their motivations, flaws, and strengths. This transformation can highlight themes of resilience, redemption, or personal growth, making the narrative more relatable and impactful.

Introducing new characters is important for plot progression, but it does not encapsulate the primary focus of character development, which is about growth and evolution. Describing the setting helps to establish the context of the story but does not specifically relate to changes within a character. Summarizing the main events provides an overview of the plot but lacks the depth that character development brings to understanding personal journeys and emotional arcs in the story. Thus, highlighting character change underscores their role in enriching the narrative.