The layer model of single-component development is applied to investigate toner charging and deposition, in particular, the electrical interaction of the toner mass with the solid layers it comes into contact during these two processes. By considering the time dependence of charging and deposition, it is shown that the dielectric relaxation times of the metering blade and the donor-roll coating play important roles in maintaining ghost-free image quality. A possible mechanism of ghost image formation is suggested. The optimum values of the dielectric relaxation times are specified in relation to the development time and charging time, and, hence, also in relation to the process speed and development housing geometry.