What Is Character Development? Usually, main characters do not stay the same throughout a book or a movie. As a story progresses, characters change how they think, feel, and act.

Many elements in a story can cause a character to change and develop:

• • setting, or where and when the story takes place

• • events, or what happens to a character

• • motivations, or what a character needs and wants

Practice Together

Analyze Character Read this passage from “Frankenstein.” Think about how the creature’s feelings toward Dr. Frankenstein have changed.

The creature is angry with Dr. Frankenstein.

Think about what the creature wants and what happens in the story. Explain how the story elements cause the creature to change.

Try It!

Now think about Dr. Frankenstein. Find examples in “Frankenstein” that show how the setting, events, character traits, and motivations of the character cause him to change.

Present Your Analysis Share your examples with your classmates. First, pose a key question like this: Why does Dr. Frankenstein want to create the creature? Then explain how and why Dr. Frankenstein changes.