Within the story all characters must engage the audience, which is to spark and maintain the audience’s interest and attention. A good character needs to do two things: advance the plot, and reveal interesting details about themselves.
writing:
Bringing Them Together 102-13
Every character goes on a figurative journey; they begin with a dream or goal, struggle with challenges, reach a crisis, and make a choice. But each character’s journey is unique to them. Some advance faster than others, and many start and end at different times.
A Fork in the Road 102-12
III. Crisis, Epiphany, and Resolution
In the beginning the crises are small, but over time they build in magnitude, pushing the character closer to a breaking point. Eventually there comes a moment when the stakes are high, and the character is uncertain. Whether through anger, fear, despair, or desire, the character is torn between the call to be a hero, and the temptation to be a villain.
The Journey: How All Characters Begin 102-11
I. It Begins with a Goal
Every character starts with a goal, usually a desire to change things. This goal takes the form of 4 distinct roles; adventurer, achiever, victim, and leader.
Lamentable Flaws 102-10
1. Deceiver
Lying is one of the broadest character flaws; ranging from white lies to cruel deception. When it comes to liars there are three parameters that govern whether lying is a minor flaw or a serious transgression: how frequently the character lies, how significant their lies are, and their motive for lying.