Basics: Characters (Morals and Conclusion)

Lastly there is the question of morals. Now it might seem obvious that good guys do good thing and bad guys do bad things. Of course we both know people are never that simple. Developing a moral code (meaning what they consider wrong and what they would do in their attempts to fulfill their desires) can really make a character feel real. To do that you need to ask yourself a few simple questions. What would this character consider bending the rules? What would they consider crossing the line? What would make this character cross the line? Almost every character, even villains, have a moral code. Remember a good villain always thinks they are doing the right thing, even if no one else does. Of course once you know a character’s moral boundaries, feel free to push them to the edge or push them across it. Which one you do write is often a reflection of the type of story you’re trying to tell. "Darker and edgier" stories will more often reach that line and force characters to cross it.

As suggested by Loral in the comment below try checking out Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development. See where your character falls. Do they have a black and white morality scale? Or are they all shades o' grey?

Ultimately, as you can see, a lot of different elements go into making a well-developed characters. If you want to make a dynamic character you’ll really need to pull from the elements you made up here. Make them confront their past. Push them to do something they consider wrong because they feel they have too. Give them their wants and needs and let them hate it. Even static characters benefit from this level of development if they will be a main focus of your story. Remember the only difference is that the events in the story won’t change your character significantly.

Second and tertiary characters are also help by in-depth development. Doing it can help not just a subplot, but your main plot too. The world feels more real, the plot more dynamic and by giving these characters firm goals, needs and personalities you avoid making your main character seem like a Mary Sue.

So in review, you need to look at the character's personality, background info, relationships, life events, the goals, wants and need as well as their moral code, doing so will help you create a fully developed character.