I'm sure if I mention \"Addams\", the first thing that springs to mind is that gothic and dark family we've often seen on TV. If you're here, you're likely to have seen or are interested in the series \"Wednesday\". Usually, I'm VERY skeptical about series that are based on things I love, but in this case, it surprised me. And for the better. Of course, Tim Burton had a hand in production and directed some episodes as well, so nothing less could be expected. Tim Burton is amazing (in my humble opinion).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, I want to talk about the evolution of characters, using Wednesday Addams, the go-to gothic girl with whom many of us have identified, as an example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Characters are the heart of every story; through their eyes, we see the world into which we are immersing ourselves, and they are the ones who tell us their story. It's crucial that these characters come off as believable because we're going to spend considerable time with them and if we don't buy into them, it's likely we might stop reading. A well-crafted character can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, we have two types of characters, flat and round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flat characters are simpler figures in terms of character development. They tend to be predictable and one-dimensional; this doesn't mean they're bad or boring, they simply serve a specific function in the plot and seldom stray from their predetermined path. We might consider these characters to represent a fixed idea or a dominant personality trait. They're a highly valuable tool you can use, so please, let's not underestimate them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, round characters are multi-dimensional and complex, undergoing significant changes throughout the plot, they're more human, more real. Their character and actions evolve in response to the experiences and conflicts they encounter. That development, whatever it may be, always has to be justified within the context of the story. Just like us, a character won't change just for the sake of it. Behind it is a process, a journey, and experiences that led to it. Change is the outcome of lived experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you allow your characters to evolve, you permit yourself to delve into deeper themes and that allows readers to identify with them and challenges them to think, it stirs something within them. That's always a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the way, here's the video in case you're interested in watching it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n