Heavy handed vs Subtle Character Development

[matt0044]

The fic I'm writing focuses on (among other things) the main character and her Pokemon and how they can be like a real family where they can argue and fight yet still love each other. Some of the chapters are standalone stories and I wonder whether I should focus on each Pokemon individually, going super in-depth and making their character development very clear as day (like in the Anime or Power Rangers), or not let them hog the spotlight, focusing on their interactions with each other, and make their developments there but subtle (like Dragon Ball (Z) where Vegeta changed gradually). Not that one's better than the other, I just like to know your thoughts on them and the pros and cons of each. Assuming you guys get where I'm coming from...

Thoughts?

 

[Beth Pavell]

I prefer subtle character development as a rule - treating your readers like they're bright enough to spot it is a good idea in my opinion. The line between character development and acting out if character is a fine one, but I usually prefer it to being bashed over the head with it

 

[matt0044]

treating your readers like they're bright enough to spot it is a good idea in my opinion.

Not that I want to insult anyone but some aren't bright enough to spot it, leading to harsh comments. But I suppose that's the life lesson of, "Not being able to please anyone."

 

[kintsugi]

I would go with what's most comfortable for you, a truly lame sounding response (no but actually). If writing more subtle character development comes more naturally to you, some people might not get it, but at least you're not feeling awkward about hitting people in the face with the symbolism stick or anything. Vice versa if you prefer heavy handed. If you're not comfortable writing it, there's not much of a chance that anyone else will enjoy reading it, right? XD

(If we're going for opinions, I try to go for subtle, but I'm always afraid I veer into heavy-handed...)