"How has the character changed, and why?"
This question forces you to examine the character's internal and external transformations. Here's why it's so effective:
* Focus on change: It highlights the key element of character development – the character's transformation over time.
* Identifies cause and effect: It prompts you to explore the reasons behind the changes, whether it's due to external events, internal struggles, relationships, or a combination of factors.
* Provides depth and understanding: By understanding the motivations and reasons for the character's growth, you gain a deeper understanding of their journey and the story's overall meaning.
Here are some other questions that can help you analyze character development:
* What are the character's goals and motivations at the beginning of the story?
* What obstacles does the character face, and how do they react?
* How do the character's relationships with others affect their development?
* What are the character's internal conflicts, and how do they resolve them?
* What are the character's strengths and weaknesses, and how do they evolve over time?
* What is the character's arc? Do they experience a rise, fall, or both?
* What is the significance of the character's development to the story as a whole?
By asking these questions and exploring the answers, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how a character grows and changes throughout a story, contributing to the richness and complexity of the narrative.