Which makes for a more engaging story? Plot or character development?

[WaterIsland]

It feels like some stories have an focus on one or the other. I can think of a lot of books, TV shows, and movies that tend to focus on one.

Which one do you find more engaging?

Plot

Character development

[Simslover92]

You need both but if I had to choose one it would be character development. Some of the best shows start with getting to know the character first before knowing where the plot is going to go. Glee for instance is character driven and was a damn good show for the first season anyways. Same goes for Arrested Development another good show that's character driven.

Same goes for shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men, This Is Us, Bates Motel, Euphoria, Game of Thrones, The Good Place, etc.

Plot is important. Very important. But the characters really makes the show in my opinion.

[ZamerZ]

Technically, the plot has to drive the character development. Sometimes you stumble across stories that you can forgive easily bc the characters were good while the story line wasn't the best and vice versa. As someone from the industry, I personally feel like good and comprehensible character development can work out and engage people better, even if the plot isn't on the same level, than the other way around.

A filmmaker's job is to put the perfect amount of pressure on a character through the plot so their "true character" comes out. Characterization and Personality are two different things. I my experience, the character can still get good development in a way that makes sense for them. We experience the plot through the character and if they aren't engaging, you can toss out the whole thing. No good plot can save a bad character if the audience thinks they suck.

[ShadezMcgee]

Both are important because it is the yin to yang dynamic. The plot can be enticing, but if you don't have good characters that progress through or drive it, it is just an idea and no payoff.

[DaveJord]

You can have all the plot in the world, but if you do not develop the characters nobody will relate to the story.

[Noodle_fan]

i would say plot

i love it when it is unpredictable

[WaterIsland]

I’m with you! Makes you wanna keep reading or watching.

[exitseven]

character development. If you dont care about the characters the plot won't matter.