Characters on stage should be flat, like clothes in a…
“Characters on stage should be flat, like clothes in a fashion show: what you get should be no more than what you see. Psychological realism is repulsive, because it allows us to escape unpalatable reality by taking shelter in the “luxuriousness” of personality, losing ourselves in the depth of individual character. The writer's task is to block this manoeuvre, to chase us off to a point from which we can view the horror with a dispassionate eye.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that flat, surface‑level characters prevent audiences from hiding behind deep psychological realism, forcing a detached view of horror.
In simple terms: Flat characters keep us from escaping into complex personalities.
Key Takeaway
Embrace simplicity to confront unsettling truths.
Themes
theatre
psychology
reality
character
horror
Mood
analytical
critical
detached
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- stage direction
- acting workshops
- script analysis
- audience critique
Key Concepts
flatness
psychological realism
dispassionate observation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does simplicity affect audience empathy?
- Can horror be conveyed without deep character?
A Different Perspective
Flatness may limit emotional depth and audience connection.