Who is defined as a person intimately involved with the plot and development of a novel?

The correct answer is a character. In literature, a character is an individual that the readers encounter within the story. Characters can take on various roles, such as protagonists or antagonists, and are essential in driving the plot forward and contributing to the development of themes, conflicts, and resolutions within the novel. Their actions, thoughts, and interactions create the narrative and are crucial for plot development, as they embody the experiences and emotions that engage readers.

While the author creates the characters and plots the story, the author is not directly involved in the events depicted in the narrative itself. The reader’s role is to interpret and derive meaning from the text but does not play a part in the plot or its development. The narrator, though they may provide insight and context, is often distinct from the characters themselves and may not always participate in the story's events. Thus, it is the character who is defined as intimately involved with the plot and shapes the story's course through their journeys and experiences.