Which element is NOT a characteristic of effective characterization?

Providing a complex backstory can enhance a character's depth and motivations, but it is not a necessary element of effective characterization. Characterization focuses primarily on how characters are portrayed and how they interact with the plot and other characters. Unique traits and motivations help to distinguish characters and make them relatable or compelling. Depicting a character's impact on the plot shows their significance in the story and how they drive the narrative forward. Creating a moral dilemma can add tension and complexity, revealing character qualities and growth. While a complex backstory may enrich a character, effective characterization can occur without it, making it the element that is not essential.