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Brandon: How does the character fit into the story, how…

“Brandon: How does the character fit into the story, how will people expect them to fit into the story, and how, therefore, can I make them incongruous for those expectations? I'm looking for incongruity. Ask yourself why this character cannot fill the role in the plot that they are expected to…” quote by Brandon Sanderson
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““Brandon: How does the character fit into the story, how will people expect them to fit into the story, and how, therefore, can I make them incongruous for those expectations? I'm looking for incongruity. Ask yourself why this character cannot fill the role in the plot that they are expected to fulfill. Ask yourself who would be perfect for this role. I'm not going to use that person.””

Brandon Sanderson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Creating a character that defies expectations creates tension; ask who truly fits the role and why the chosen one doesn’t.

In simple terms: Break expectations for intrigue.

Key Takeaway

Subvert norms to engage readers.

Themes

writing character subversion

Mood

inventive analytical

Type

creative educational

When to use this quote

  • novel planning
  • screenplay
  • role casting

Key Concepts

narrative theory creativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What expectations can you flip?
  • Who truly belongs in the story?
A Different Perspective

Risk of confusing audience.

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