Final answer:
Considering the narrative's focus on character development, point of view, and critical reflection, the characters' perspectives have likely become more skeptical as they have been challenged and have grown from their experiences, aligning with option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing how the characters' perspectives may have changed in a literary piece, it is essential to examine the text with attention to characterization and point of view. From the provided references, it is noted that the characters are well-developed and relatable with consistent points of view, indicating a conscious effort by the writer to engage with and sometimes challenge conventional expectations. Furthermore, one segment highlighting 'Falling action' suggests that characters come away from their experiences changed, potentially wiser. This hints at growth or a shift in perspective post-climax.
Moving to the critical language awareness mentioned, when a text reflects somewhat developed characters and a somewhat inconsistent point of view but shows signs of meeting or challenging conventions, this could lead to a change in perspectives towards either skepticism or sympathy, depending on the narrative's outcome and character arcs. The difficulty expressed by readers in reconsidering their previously held beliefs indicates a potential shift towards a more skeptical viewpoint, aligning with option D.
Lastly, the insertion of real-life issues and moral situations in the text proposes a reflective and possibly sympathetic engagement with characters, supporting the idea that the perspectives could become more sympathetic—option C. However, the absence of specific textual evidence that indicates an explicit shift to optimism or cynicism complicates the assertion that the characters' perspectives have strictly become more optimistic or cynical. Therefore, considering all the evidence and the narrative's movement towards challenge and change, we can conclude with a reasonable amount of confidence that the correct option is D, the characters' perspectives have become more skeptical.