What defines a complex character in literature?

A complex character in literature is characterized by multi-dimensional traits and the capacity for growth. Such characters exhibit a range of emotions, motivations, and conflicts that make them feel more realistic and relatable to readers. This complexity allows them to evolve over the course of the narrative, facing challenges or experiences that lead them to change in significant ways. This growth is often what drives the story forward and deepens the themes explored within the work.

In contrast, one-dimensional characters are limited to a single trait or characteristic, which does not provide the depth needed to engage the audience meaningfully. Characters who remain unchanged throughout the narrative lack the dynamic qualities that typically define complexity, as they do not experience any significant development or personal transformation. Lastly, background figures serve to support the main plot rather than participating actively in the character development process, leaving them underdeveloped and not central to the thematic structure of the story. Both of these types of characters can be important in a narrative, but they do not embody the richness and depth that define complex characters.