One of the things that confirmed to me I was on the right lines with my character development is when I found some of my characters taking me by surprise with their attitudes to other characters. For example, my rebellious fairy godmother, Eileen, should be diametrically opposed to the Chief Witch, especially when the latter starts causing havoc in the Fairy Kingdom.
But Eileen doesn't react like that. She is not blind to the faults of her own royal house and realises that the Witch does have reasons to be resentful. Eileen's attitude here does not go down well with anyone. Much as the populace love her for her down to earth manner and courage in fighting foul fiends for them, they do think she's wrong here. And the Queen is forthright about just how wrong Eileen is. Doesn't make Eileen change her views though.
So how do your characters surprise you? How do they develop their own life (in a way you may not originally have planned)? Is what they come up with better than what you'd originally planned (if so, go with it!)? How do they interact with other characters? Do they live up to society expectations or rebel against them (and what are the consequences of this)?
Your characters should have good reasons to have the relationships they have and should be able to justify those relationships, if only to themselves.
But Eileen doesn't react like that. She is not blind to the faults of her own royal house and realises that the Witch does have reasons to be resentful. Eileen's attitude here does not go down well with anyone. Much as the populace love her for her down to earth manner and courage in fighting foul fiends for them, they do think she's wrong here. And the Queen is forthright about just how wrong Eileen is. Doesn't make Eileen change her views though.
So how do your characters surprise you? How do they develop their own life (in a way you may not originally have planned)? Is what they come up with better than what you'd originally planned (if so, go with it!)? How do they interact with other characters? Do they live up to society expectations or rebel against them (and what are the consequences of this)?
Your characters should have good reasons to have the relationships they have and should be able to justify those relationships, if only to themselves.
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