Dealing with people Quote by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett
““Ron Carlson says, 'The most undervalued craft device that fiction writers need is empathy. You need to be able to actually imagine what your characters are going through. You've got to stay close. When you're in a story and dealing with people you're not certain of, or you've just come to meet because they've stepped into your story, it's very important to go slow and sit in their chair.' As Carlson also says, you don't have to love the people or the characters you write about, but they should be at least as smart as you. Look beyond stereotypes.””
About This Quote
Empathy is a vital craft tool for writers, enabling them to authentically inhabit characters' experiences and avoid shallow stereotypes.
In simple terms: Empathy deepens character realism.
Key Takeaway
Write with character perspective.
Themes
empathy
character development
authenticity
stereotype avoidance
narrative depth
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
compassionate
Type
advice
observation
instruction
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- novel drafting
- screenplay development
- character interviews
- creative coaching
Key Concepts
character immersion
psychological realism
ethical storytelling
Practical Applications
- character-driven fiction
- empathetic marketing copy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does stepping into a character's shoes change plot decisions?
- What risks arise from neglecting empathy?
