Chance Quote by Alexander Gordon Smith
“Gettting to know your characters is so much more important than plotting. Working out every detail of your story in advance, especially when you don't yet know your main characters, always seems a little too much like playing God. You're working out your characters' lives, their destiny, before they've had a chance to discover who they are and what kind of people they want to be.”
About This Quote
Understanding characters deeply should precede plot planning; forcing a story’s destiny before characters develop risks in‑authentic narratives.
In simple terms: Know characters before plotting.
Key Takeaway
Character discovery drives authentic storytelling.
Themes
writing
character development
creative process
storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
instructive
Type
craft advice
creative philosophy
When to use this quote
- drafting a novel
- designing a role‑playing campaign
- screenwriting workshops
Key Concepts
organic narrative
authorial humility
Practical Applications
- Start with character sketches before outlining
- Allow character arcs to inform plot twists
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance character depth with plot momentum?
- When might a plot‑first approach be advantageous?
A Different Perspective
Some genres (e.g., plot‑driven thrillers) may require early structural planning.
![“What I love about the filmmakers that I mentioned [Danny Boyle,Leo Carax], is that it's visual but it's also, you see that the characters are the most important thing. The actors are the most important thing.” quote by Fredrik Bond](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3f7/fredrik-bond-42143_actors_what-i-love-about-the-filmmakers-that-i_243952.jpg)
