I want characters to do bad things and get away with their…
““I want characters to do bad things and get away with their misdeeds. I want characters to think ugly thoughts and make ugly decisions. I want characters to make mistakes and put themselves first without apologizing for it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Stories should reflect flawed humanity, allowing characters to act selfishly and unrepentantly, revealing truth about moral complexity.
In simple terms: Bad actions reveal deeper truths.
Embrace messy characters.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- creative workshops
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a character’s selfishness teach us?
- How do we balance realism with empathy?
Such depictions can alienate audiences seeking moral comfort.