As we grow older, we develop personal characteristics.  Each individuals characteristics most likely develop over time as a result of genetic and environmental influences.

The basic nature versus nurture discussion is currently leaning toward a balanced approach between these two factors.  That is development is driven most often by a combination of these two influences.

It is this very combination, balance of nature and nurture influences,  that leads to a wide variety of unique results.  The outcomes of the exact combination of these two prime influencers are to a degree unpredictable.

Character Development

Switching from the phrase “development of character” to “character development” creates a very interesting nuance.   Character development is most commonly used by authors and script writers in reference to their fictional creations.

The stories are crafted to develop the charateristics of the people that are intrinsic to the plot.  In these cases the perceptions of the viewers and readers are manipulated purposely to interrpret the characters in the way the authors intended.

In real life our individual characteristics develop based on our environmental and genetic inputs  as governed by how we want to see ourselves.

Unlike the script writers most of us do not develop our characteristics based on how we want to be percieved but rather grow depending on those basic drivers – our genes and our environment.

Strangley thoug, however we personally manipulate our individual characteristics what really matters is how others see us.   Basically the screen writers have got the write approach.

Don’t waste your time developing character (i.e., letting it happen) rather focus on character development (making it happen).