What impact does characterization have on a story?

Characterization significantly shapes the reader's understanding and emotional connection to the narrative. Through the development of characters—such as their traits, motivations, and relationships—the author can evoke empathy and investment from the reader. Well-crafted characters allow readers to experience the story on a personal level, as they may relate to or feel for the characters' situations and conflicts. This emotional engagement adds depth to the narrative, making the themes and events more impactful.

The other aspects—such as building the setting, developing plot structure, or providing historical context—are important elements of storytelling but do not specifically address the unique role that characterization plays in fostering a connection between the reader and the characters. Characterization is primarily focused on how characters are presented and how they influence the reader's experience throughout the story.