I don't like using the word evil because it sounds as if…
““I don't like using the word evil because it sounds as if that's all there is to be said about the person. I don't think Richard III is evil, I don't think it's helpful to say that...Iago he's not evil. Iago didn't get the job, he thinks his wife's been unfaithful to him, he doesn't like black people, he's extremely talented and very unfulfilled and he's a wonderful liar, and he's a mischeif maker and he does some dreadful, dreadful things. But that's already interesting, isn't it? Ooh, who is this guy? But if you just say "ah oh he's evil" how can you play that? I don't know how you play an evil person.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Labeling characters as evil oversimplifies complexity; understanding motivations reveals deeper human nuance.
In simple terms: Avoid oversimplifying evil.
Key Takeaway
Explore character motivations.
Themes
character analysis
morality
complexity
human nature
nuance
Mood
analytical
curious
Type
Black people:0
Richard ii:0
Evil Person:0
Richard Iii:0
Word Evil:0
Evil Iago:0
Iago Evil:0
Say Iago:0
When to use this quote
- literary critique
- theatre
- film analysis
Key Concepts
evil archetype
motivational depth
psychological insight
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates so you view as evil?
- How can complexity enrich storytelling?