Classic literature has many interesting stories and characters that help us understand how characters grow and change. Authors like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Leo Tolstoy show us how characters evolve, giving writers important lessons for their own stories.

One important idea in character growth is internal conflict. This is when characters struggle with their own feelings and decisions, which often reflects common human experiences. For example, in Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge starts off as a greedy man. His change begins when he meets ghostly visitors who make him think about his past, present, and future. This inner struggle not only moves the story forward but also shows how people can notice and change their flaws.

Writers can use character arcs to show how characters grow. A typical arc has three main parts:

1. The Beginning: This shows where the character starts, including their flaws or problems.
2. The Climax: This is a big event that makes the character think and possibly change.
3. The Resolution: This shows how the character has changed, reflecting how the conflict has influenced them.

For instance, in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet starts with a poor opinion of Mr. Darcy. Through misunderstandings and revelations, she learns to change her mind about him. This shows how characters can learn from their mistakes.

Another way classic literature helps us see character growth is through external influences. The world around characters and expectations from society can heavily impact their development. In Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, Anna’s choices lead to tragedy, but her fate is also shaped by the strict rules of 19th-century Russia.

Writers can create rich settings that affect their characters’ choices and growth. Social class, culture, and history add layers to characters' motivations, making them feel more real and relatable.

Relationships are also key to character growth, and classic literature is filled with examples. In Wuthering Heights, the complicated relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff shows how love can be both passionate and destructive. Their interactions influence how each character develops, revealing different sides of obsession and revenge.

Writers can use a few relationship techniques:

• Contrasting Characters: This means having two characters that are very different to show growth. For example, in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth and her sister Lydia are opposites. Elizabeth's good sense highlights Lydia's recklessness, showing strong moral lessons.

• Mentorship: Characters can learn and grow with the help of others. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch learns important lessons about strength and morality from her father, Atticus, showing how guidance can lead to growth.

Symbolism is another important tool in character development. Great stories use symbols—objects or themes that stand for something bigger—to deepen a character's journey. In The Great Gatsby, the green light symbolizes Gatsby's dreams and the disappointment that often comes with chasing them. As the story continues, Gatsby's changing view of the green light shows his inner shift from hope to reality.

Writers can use symbolism by:

• Connecting certain objects with character traits or wishes.
• Using symbols to mark important changes in a character’s journey.

Foreshadowing is also a great way to hint at character growth. This keeps readers curious about how earlier hints connect to a character’s development. In Of Mice and Men, hints about Lennie’s fate help readers grasp the emotional weight of his journey and where it might lead.

Creating a powerful character journey often involves the idea of redemption, which is common in classic stories. Stories about redemption connect with readers because they reflect our desire for forgiveness and personal improvement. Think about Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, who goes from being a criminal to becoming a good man. His journey highlights how redemption influences personal growth.

Writers looking to explore redemption can think about:

• Moral Dilemmas: Putting characters in situations where they must face their past actions.
• Acts of Kindness: Showing moments that spark changes in a character’s values, like Valjean’s choices in the story.

One important thing to remember in character development is consistency. Character growth should feel natural, not forced. This is often accomplished by giving characters backstory, which adds depth to their decisions. Classic literature does a great job of revealing characters’ pasts in ways that enrich their present.

For example, in Little Women, Jo March's dreams are deeply connected to her childhood experiences.

In conclusion, classic literature offers many tips and insights into character growth that writers can use to create engaging stories. By looking at elements like internal conflict, external influences, relationships, symbolism, foreshadowing, redemption, and backstory, writers can build characters that resonate with readers and reflect the complexities of life.

The stories we read in classic literature teach us that character growth isn’t just about change; it’s about a journey filled with struggles, discoveries, and transformations that mirror real life. By embracing these lessons, writers can make their characters come alive and ensure they leave a lasting impression on their readers.