In fiction, characters often come to life through the development of which they are given. From the highly developed to the barely-developed or stereotypical character, each contributes to the story in a different and important way. While developed characters are often praised for their complexity, the benefits of a barely-developed or stereotypical character are rarely discussed.

For starters, barely-developed or stereotypical characters tend to bring an element of levity and simplicity to the story, often grounding the narrative in a form of escapism from everyday life. Moreover, these characters give the reader a sense of familiarity and can help create a sense of comfort which can be comforting in times of difficulty.

In addition, these characters can also enable the story to move forward more quickly, as their development is often not overly complex. This fast and direct approach allows for the author to move the story along at a faster pace, which can be especially useful if the overall goal of the story is to keep the reader entertained and engaged. It also allows the reader to focus more on the main plot and the developed characters, rather than having to get too encumbered in navigating complex backstories or motivations for the less-developed characters.

From an emotional standpoint, a barely-developed character can also facilitate a connection to the reader by being relatable or by serving as a direct contrast to the more developed characters. This gives readers an opportunity to identify themselves in the story, even if the character themselves may be quite different from the reader. Consequently, this reflects both the journey of the character, as well as their own journey in life.

Despite their limited development, there is a certain charm to a barely-developed or stereotypical character, which makes them an important element of any story. Not only do they bring levity and simplicity to the work, but they also help facilitate a connection between the reader and the story itself. For these reasons, it is worth acknowledging the positive benefits of a barely-developed or stereotypical character.