What do complex characters often reveal throughout a narrative?

Complex characters often reveal multiple facets of their personality throughout a narrative, allowing readers to see them as multidimensional beings rather than simplistic, one-dimensional figures. This depth helps to create more realistic portrayals, as these characters can demonstrate conflicting emotions, motivations, and behaviors depending on the circumstances they face. Such complexity not only enhances the character's depth but also reflects the complexities of real human experience, making the narrative more engaging and relatable.

In contrast, background stories are typically important but can sometimes be presented in a shallow manner or serve merely to provide context without delving into the character's complexity. One-sided traits suggest a lack of depth, as they imply that a character exhibits a single dominant quality throughout the narrative, which does not align with the concept of complexity. Lastly, focusing solely on characters' relationships can also miss the broader range of personality traits and internal struggles that complex characters might exhibit, as relationships are just one aspect of a character's total identity.