While character development is important, don’t get lost inside your characters at the expense of moving the plot forward. Remember that if a chapter isn’t moving the plot forward, it’s sitting still or even becoming stagnant.
The most captivating character, protagonist or antagonist won’t make the reader read. They want to be stimulated, and taken on a journey. And if your reader feels they’re going on that journey, too, even as an observer, mission accomplished.