hi, can you help me out? i need some tips on character development. i'm making one of my characters change from a bad person, to a supportive person. the thing is, i don't know how i should do it. should i make him slowly transition to be good over time? but how would i do so? idk if this makes sense, but it doesn't have to be specific or anything, just some general antagonist to protagonist tips would be nice. :))
Firstly, you’re going to need a catalyst moment as to why this character changes. Most people don’t simply decide to alter their personalities so significantly for no reason, so make sure you’ve given him a reason to change. As for the actual transition of it, try to keep these things in mind!
1) This is going to take time. And a lot of it. I’m not entirely sure exactly what about your character is “bad” but oftentimes these negative tendencies become second nature to us, and there’s no changing that overnight. Your character is going to need a game plan as to how they’re going to change and do their best to implement it.
2) There will be setbacks. Even if someone is progressing and trying diligently, there will always be slip ups and there will always be setbacks. I can’t provide a specific example relevant to your character, but let’s say that the goal was something along the lines of being a kinder person. They might be having a bad day or someone might just cross them the wrong way and seemingly undo all the progress that’s been made.
3) Sometimes the change is subtle, or no one picks up on it. Your other characters might not even notice there’s a change, especially if they aren’t told that there’s that intent there. Perhaps they even complain about the trait they’re trying to improve on, only adding salt to the wound. Because sometimes changes are small; they can be offering someone something for no reason or complimenting them. They seem like no big deal, but to the person who’s changing, it’s a big step.
