What Is a Complex Character?
A complex character is a character who has a mix of traits that come from both nature and experience, according to fiction writer Elizabeth Moon. Complex characters are more realistic than non-complex characters.
According to Elizabeth Moon, the traits of complex characters are made up of both constants and variables. The constant traits are the innate ones, such as eye, hair or skin color. The way a character reacts to these traits adds to his personality. The variable traits come from life experiences and how the character reacts to those experiences. A character’s reaction to a situation may change over time as he develops. Development also plays a large part in complexity; just like a real person, a character changes as the story goes on.