Often through shared experiences. For example, in a story where two buddies are on a road trip, they face various challenges like getting lost, running out of money or meeting strange people. These experiences shape their characters, making them more understanding, patient or brave.
A 'best buddy novel' may also develop characters by putting them in difficult situations. Say, if the buddies are in a war - time setting. One might be injured and the other has to take on more responsibility. This kind of situation can bring out different aspects of their characters, like loyalty, self - sacrifice and leadership skills.
By showing their interactions with each other. In a 'best buddy novel', the conversations between the two main characters are crucial. They might argue, joke or comfort each other. This reveals their personalities and how they change over time. For instance, if one is more outgoing and the other shy, their exchanges can show how they influence each other's growth.
Often, they start from a weak or ordinary state. For example, in 'Re:Zero', Subaru starts as a normal guy but through his repeated deaths and experiences, he gradually becomes stronger and wiser. They face challenges that force them to adapt and grow. In 'Sword Art Online', Kirito has to constantly improve his skills in the dangerous virtual world to survive and become a hero to others.
They often develop through self - discovery. Since they lack love in their marriage, they start looking inward and exploring their own desires and needs. For example, they might realize they have a passion for painting that they had long suppressed.
Often, it starts with an encounter. For example, in 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants', the four girls were already friends, but the pants became a way to further strengthen their bond as they passed it around during their separate adventures. In 'Anne of Green Gables', Anne and Diana met at school and immediately hit it off because of their shared interests and personalities.
Often, they start with the discovery of the 'chosen one'. For example, in 'The Matrix', Neo discovers he is the One. Then, there is a period of training. Like in many martial arts movies where the chosen hero trains under a master.
Disney harem fanfictions usually develop characters by mixing their traits. Take a fanfiction with characters from 'Aladdin' and 'Mulan'. Aladdin might gain some of Mulan's courage and Mulan might pick up Aladdin's street - smartness. This way, the characters become more complex and interesting within the harem setting.
Typically, it starts with some sort of innocent encounter. Maybe they share a moment while the brother is around but not really paying attention. Then there's often a period of secrecy. They don't want the brother to find out at first because they know it could cause problems.
Often, adventure hero novels put heroes in difficult situations. For example, in 'The Odyssey', Odysseus faces numerous challenges like the Cyclops and the Sirens. These situations force him to show his cleverness, courage and determination, thus developing his character. Another way is through the hero's interactions with other characters. In 'Pride and Prejudice' (which has elements of adventure and heroism), Elizabeth Bennet's exchanges with Mr. Darcy help shape her into a more self - aware and strong - willed character.
Often, these fanfictions develop characters through their relationships with their inner demons. A character might start to see their inner demon as a sort of mentor or a warning sign. For example, if a character is too greedy in the Naruto world, their inner demon could represent the extreme of that greed and the character has to learn to balance it. This kind of development can change the way the character approaches power and friendship.
In Merlin harem fanfiction, character development is also done through the relationships within the harem. Each member of the harem has their own backstory and motives. For instance, a character might be from a different magical realm and come to Merlin seeking help. As the story progresses, their relationship deepens, and they change as a result of their experiences together with Merlin. This helps to create complex and interesting characters.
Often, they start by showing the 'hurt' of the characters. For example, a character might have a past trauma like a bad break - up or family issues. Then, the other character enters their life. In a novel like 'The Fault in Our Stars', Hazel has the 'hurt' of her terminal illness. Augustus comes into her life and they start to comfort each other, and as they do, their characters develop through shared experiences, conversations, and the growth of their relationship.