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What I look for in any character, good or bad, is whether…

“What I look for in any character, good or bad, is whether I can hear him speak. If I can imagine him that clearly, then I can write about him.” quote by Thomas Perry
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“What I look for in any character, good or bad, is whether I can hear him speak. If I can imagine him that clearly, then I can write about him.”

Thomas Perry

About This Quote

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

The author values hearing a character's voice clearly in his mind as essential for writing about them.

In simple terms: Imagining a character's voice is key to writing.

Key Takeaway

Listen to inner voices when creating characters.

Themes

creativity character development writing

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

creative instructional

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • screenwriting
  • role‑playing games

Key Concepts

narrative voice empathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you capture a character's true voice?
  • What techniques help you hear them?
A Different Perspective

Relying solely on imagined voice may miss nuance.

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