Final answer:
Character consistency in literature is crucial to maintaining the credibility of the narrative. Changes in physical attributes, mannerisms, and speech patterns should align with the character's development and serve a purpose within the story's context. Alterations in behavior or tone that do not serve the narrative can weaken characterization.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the limp shifts to the other leg, if the arrogance is mellowed, or if the cackle loses its fiendish quality, the characterization is bound to suffer. Character consistency is essential in literature for maintaining the integrity of a character throughout a story. A character's physical attributes, mannerisms, and speech patterns contribute significantly to their depth and believability.
Changes to these can signify important developments within the plot or in the character's psychological state. However, if these changes are not deliberate and purposeful within the story's narrative, they can lead to a weakened characterization, leaving readers puzzled or dissatisfied.
Alterations in a character's behavior are meaningful and should serve the story, such as those outlined in the provided literary excerpts. The text highlights various scenarios where characters undergo a change—some indicating a shift in emotional state or mental collapse, as seen in the extensive behavioral transformation, while others reveal a temporary mood or a singular reaction that stands out from their typical behavior. It is the author's task to ensure that any character development is consistent, logical, and impactful, contributing to the richness of the narrative.
When crafting a character, authors manipulate tone to evoke specific emotions or attitudes, as demonstrated by the references to characters expressing sorrow, laughter, distress, or indifference. These tones can define or redefine characters, depending on the context of their story, as changes in a character's temperament can disrupt reader expectations and alter their emotional engagement with the narrative.