Never open your story with a character thinking, I advise…
“Never open your story with a character thinking, I advise my students. As a further precaution, don’t put a character in a room alone – create a friend, a bystander, a genie, for God’s sake, any sentient creature with whom your main character can converse, perhaps argue or, better yet, engage in some action. If a person is out and doing, it’s more likely that something interesting might happen to her or him. Shut up in a room with only his thoughts for company well, that way lies fictional disaster.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advice on narrative structure: avoid solitary introspection, introduce dialogue or interaction to generate conflict and interest.
In simple terms: Use other characters to create dynamic scenes.
Key Takeaway
Add companions or obstacles to drive plot.
Themes
writing
dialogue
conflict
character development
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
instructional
practical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
Narrative technique
show vs tell
Questions to Reflect On
- How does interaction shape a character’s journey?
- What risks arise from over‑populating a scene?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on internal monologue can feel static and disengaging.