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I write characters focusing on them as human beings, and…

“I write characters focusing on them as human beings, and then you wrap them within a culture. So I think I can connect with him as a person with brown skin who's viewed differently by the world. In terms of his culture, we're thinking about where we are locating Wakanda within the continent, and…” quote by Joe Robert Cole
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“I write characters focusing on them as human beings, and then you wrap them within a culture. So I think I can connect with him as a person with brown skin who's viewed differently by the world. In terms of his culture, we're thinking about where we are locating Wakanda within the continent, and what the people and history of that region are like. It's a process of investigation to help inform the story at this point. But we are going to be engaged with consultants who are experts on the continent and on African history and politics.”

Joe Robert Cole

About This Quote

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

He emphasizes creating characters as fully human individuals first, then embedding them in authentic cultural contexts through research and expert consultation.

In simple terms: Humanize characters before adding cultural layers.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize humanity, then research culture.

Themes

character development authenticity representation research storytelling

Mood

thoughtful respectful

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • screenwriting
  • film production
  • character design
  • historical research

Key Concepts

cultural immersion humanism consultancy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does focusing on humanity change representation?
  • What risks arise from cultural generalization?
A Different Perspective

May overlook individual diversity within cultures.

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