Final answer:
A strong character in a story is typically defined by resilience, growth, and complexity, rather than irrational explanations, supernatural abilities, or a pessimistic attitude. None of the provided options is an inherent characteristic of a strong character.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the characteristics of a strong character in a story, we often look for qualities like resilience, complexity, growth, and a significant role in the narrative.
A strong character is not necessarily defined by irrational explanations, supernatural abilities, or a pessimistic attitude; instead, they are typically more nuanced and realistic. They are likable or relatable in some way, exhibit personal growth or development throughout the story, and often face and overcome various trials, which can take the form of different types of conflicts such as character vs. character, character vs. self, character vs. environment, character vs. society, and character vs. fate or the supernatural. While supernatural abilities can add to a character's complexity, they are not a required trait of a strong character. Similarly, a strong character might struggle with a pessimistic attitude but will usually undergo transformation over the course of the narrative. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is that none of the provided options is an inherent characteristic of a strong character in a story.