I can be unkind to someone in the street or in the subway…
“I can be unkind to someone in the street or in the subway - I'm a bad-tempered person - but I'm unable to be unkind to a character. They exist because of me, and I have responsibility for them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A creator feels responsibility for their fictional characters, unlike strangers they can mistreat.
In simple terms: Writers owe care to their creations.
Key Takeaway
Treat characters with respect.
Themes
responsibility
creation
empathy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- character development
- creative process
Key Concepts
fiction
authorial duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this responsibility affect your storytelling?
- Do you treat real people differently?
A Different Perspective
Characters are not real people, so moral accountability differs.