You have to look for story. That's obvious. If that's not…
“You have to look for story. That's obvious. If that's not on the page, you can forget it. But I also read whatever character I'm being offered. And if you can cut them out without it affecting the story, then I say no straight away.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A story must be evident; if a character doesn’t serve the narrative, they should be removed.
In simple terms: Characters must serve the story.
Key Takeaway
Eliminate unnecessary characters.
Themes
storytelling
editing
character development
Mood
practical
direct
Type
critical
creative
When to use this quote
- screenwriting
- novel editing
- stage productions
Key Concepts
narrative focus
script efficiency
casting decisions
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which characters are essential?
- What impact does character removal have on thematic depth?
A Different Perspective
Removing characters can alienate audiences attached to them.