Final answer:
In quality children's fiction, the main characters usually undergo change and development in response to significant events, making them dynamic or round characters. Foils are used to contrast and highlight the protagonist's traits, which adds depth to characterization. The skillful portrayal of characters significantly contributes to what makes literature compelling and of lasting value.
Step-by-step explanation:
In excellent works of fiction for children, main characters typically undergo change in response to life-altering events. These characters are known as dynamic or round characters because they show development and complexity, reflecting the various traits, both good and bad, that humans possess in real life.
Unlike static or flat characters, who remain constant throughout the story, dynamic characters evolve, affected by the plot's events and conflicts. This evolution can be crucial to the story's moral or message, making the fiction more engaging and relatable for young readers.
Authors also use character foils to enhance the protagonist's traits. A foil is a character who contrasts with the main character, highlighting particular qualities or flaws. This can be through a sidekick, friend, or rival, and is an essential tool in character development within literature.
The creation of compelling and relatable characters is a hallmark of good literature, often defined by lasting artistic merit. A writer's skill in characterisation dictates how readers respond to and feel about the characters, whether they empathize or pass judgment. This interplay among characters, including their growth and relationships with others within the narrative, contributes significantly to the story's depth and quality.