Explanation:

- Option 1: writes-cast

- The word 'writes' could fit in terms of an author creating stories.

- 'Cast' doesn't fit well since 'cast away' means to discard, which doesn’t logically convey not shying away from struggles.

- Option 2: discussed-stray

- 'Discussed' is past tense and doesn't quite match the task of shaping characters.

- 'Stray away’ doesn't fit with the theme of addressing struggles.

- Option 3: exemplifying-step

- 'Exemplifying' isn't a suitable word for enriching characters.

- 'Step away' has a different connotation than the intended message.

- Option 4: illustrate-move

- 'Illustrate' could be a possibility for depicting characters.

- 'Move away' doesn’t convey handling struggles directly.

- Option 5: treats-shy

- The word ‘treats’ perfectly fits as it conveys nurturing the characters with compassion and charm.

- ‘Shy away’ is commonly used to mean avoiding something, making it well-suited for the latter part of the sentence.