One of the things that I tell beginning writers is this…
“One of the things that I tell beginning writers is this: If you describe a landscape, or a cityscape, or a seascape, always be sure to put a human figure somewhere in the scene. Why? Because readers are human beings, mostly interested in human beings. People are humanists. Most of them are humanists, that is.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Including a person in descriptive scenes grounds the setting, making it relatable and emotionally engaging for readers who connect with human stories.
In simple terms: Add a human figure to make scenes relatable.
Key Takeaway
Make descriptions human‑centered.
Themes
writing
human connection
description
Mood
engaging
practical
Type
instructional
advice
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- journalism
- teaching
- editing
Key Concepts
Narrative technique
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a human element change a reader’s perception?
- When is a figure unnecessary?
A Different Perspective
May limit focus on setting details.