In character development, what is often the catalyst for change?

Experiencing personal challenges serves as a significant catalyst for change in character development. These challenges often push characters out of their comfort zones, forcing them to confront their weaknesses, fears, or past traumas. Such experiences can lead to personal growth, transformation, and new insights into their identities or values. The process of overcoming obstacles typically shapes a character's journey and can enhance their resilience, perspective, and emotional maturity.

While arriving at a new location, forming relationships, and learning a new skill can all contribute to a character's development, they may not inherently invoke the same degree of internal conflict or growth that personal challenges do. Changing locations might provide a fresh perspective, relationships can support or challenge a character, and acquiring new skills can broaden capabilities, but it is often through faced adversities that profound change occurs. Personal challenges demand a response, and this response is often where the most significant character evolution takes place.