“Character development refers to the process writers put in to shaping and forming the characters in their writing. This includes factors like appearance, personality, occupation, social class, goals, mental state, family and friends, profession and all other elements that make a character unique and individually identifiable.”
In school we are taught that character development is the most important thing in writing. This draws in the reader and makes them want to learn more. Without it the reader will not want to continue reading. In I am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett he develops Not Sidney’s character in a comedic/satirical way that makes him a lovable character that is unforgettable.
In the book at the age of 11 Not Sidney Poitier becomes an orphan after his mother dies. After his mother’s death he learns of here wise investment in Ted Turner’s media empire. He now becomes wealthy but cannot use it due to his age. He is than taken in by Ted Turner who is now is adoptive father. Even though he is a part of his household he is not a part of the family. Throughout the book Sidney goes through many experiences in life that deal with his social class and race.
Everett draws in the reading by using satirical comedy. This makes the reader want to keep reading till the end. Not Sidney is always joking around like when he states: “There were people out there looking for me, wanting my fifty thousand dollars. I knew they would kill me for it and I wondered if in fact they already had. As we stepped out of the makeshift morgue I thought that if that body in the chest was Not Sidney Poitier, then I was not Not Sidney Poitier and that by all I knew of logic and double negatives, I was therefore Sidney Poitier.” From the beginning his comedic comic make his character unique. His character development makes the reader more interested in him making him relatable in some instances and making him a character you will never forget.