User blog comment:DYBAD/Character Sheet/@comment-4867780-20141127015300/@comment-5265497-20141128093246

If a character doesn't tangibly grow and evolve, then its a dead character. That's why movies and books are highly criticized if the protagonist isn't rounded out throughout the narrative and doesn't learn a valuable aesop at the end of the story. Of course many want their adrenalin from the action, but then there are the soap operas, chic flicks, etc. non-violent alternatives with a focus on romance and strict plot catering to others who don't want that sort of action.

Accomplishment builds as the story continues the character should progress in power and noticeable emotional strength. Of course the protagonist will face different trials throughout his existence but he's going to be more prepared for the bigger challenges at hand. And of course this is fiction, but it is still loosely based on real life which nobody really strays from. Accomplishment, just like in video games, still weigh a lot in a narrative and that's why the audience wants the hero to succeed and has an attachment to him when he does.

A happy ending is just when the character prevails in facing the biggest challenge given to them within the story. And you're saying that's all moot because they are going to face a natural phenomena like death in the end? Not every character is absolutely immortal even in fiction and why would you want to be cursed with immortality? Just a general fear of death I presume?