As every reader knows, the journey is better, and often more fulfilling than the destination. In most cases, It is the journey which causes the protagonist to develop and grow in character. It provides the author with the chance to show this growth and to appeal to the reader’s interests. This development could be an expansion of the character’s knowledge of the world, increase in a certain skill, a newfound sense of adventure, or the most common, finding out what is most important to life or to the character himself.
In Piers Anthony’s novel, “A Spell for Chameleon”, the main character Bink goes through a physical and emotional journey in which he discovers his own personal identity, learning that his life does hold meaning and things are not always what they seem. This novel is actually one of my favorites because of how well the author develops not only the main character but the side characters as well. He is able to have multiple stories told throughout a single adventure.
Near the beginning Bink meets Chameleon, who joins him and teaches him that it is not skill nor appearances that matter but rather who a person is. Her multiple personalities help him to dig deep to find the root of a person. Through her Bink also learns not to judge people at first glance, but to allow an opinion to grow over time. The meeting of the wizard Trent helps to further this concept. Proving to the young hero that good and evil are not always separate.
Through his actions Bink learns that he is quite significant in the world. He learns that a little insignificance can easily tip the scales within the war of good and evil and that although he fails, he is able to learn and grow. Bink also learns that despite his disability, Chameleon came to him and him alone, making him really important and more powerful than he thought possible. The fact that this woman trusts him and relies on him fills him with new hope and great meaning that helps him to soar with confidence and conviction throughout the rest of the story.
Because of the addition of other characters, the main character himself was able to develop and improve who he is. The author was able to show each stage of his development with each addition of either a side character or a new challenge. This author makes use of the journey to create the characters and to add depth to the story.
