How does a complex character drive a story’s plot?

Question

A. Their personalities are interesting and intriguing for the reader.
B. They usually cause conflict and give the story depth.
C. They bring another character’s qualities into sharp focus.
D. Their motivations can create conflicts that relate to a story’s themes

Answer 1

A complex character drives a story's plot primarily through B. They usually cause conflict and give the story depth and D. Their motivations can create conflicts that relate to a story’s themes.

Complex characters are often multi-dimensional, with conflicting desires, beliefs, and backgrounds that contribute to the story’s conflict. Their motivations can lead to various outcomes, shaping the plot's direction and immersing readers in deeper thematic explorations.

While options A and C play supportive roles—making the characters intriguing and highlighting other characters—they are not the primary mechanisms through which complex characters drive the plot. Thus, the best answer would be a combination of B and D.