Anxiety Quote by Andrew Coyle Bradley
“When Shakespeare begins his exposition thus he generally at first makes people talk about the hero, but keeps the hero himself for some time out of sight, so that we await his entrance with curiosity, and sometimes with anxiety.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Shakespearean Drama Analysis, 1915
The author notes that playwrights often introduce a hero indirectly, building audience curiosity and tension before the hero appears on stage.
In simple terms: Playwrights delay showing the hero to heighten interest.
Key Takeaway
Use suspense to engage audiences.
Themes
dramatic structure
character introduction
audience engagement
Mood
intriguing
anticipatory
Type
analytical
observational
When to use this quote
- theater productions
- film storytelling
- novel writing
- public speaking
- marketing pitches
Key Concepts
narrative tension
anticipation
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does delaying a protagonist’s reveal affect audience investment?
- When is it better to introduce a hero early?
A Different Perspective
If the hero appears too early, the suspense may fade, reducing impact.
