Character Quote by Bonnie Jo Campbell
“We know that we need to explore desire in fiction - many say that the only way a story exists is that a character feels a strong desire - and nature is the place where creatures act on their desires in the most pure way imaginable, so maybe nature also works as a metaphor for whatever emotional troubles my characters have to negotiate. I'm interested in my characters as survivors, and maybe that works best when the old-fashioned notion of humans surviving in wilderness is not too far away.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wilding, Bonnie Jo Campbell, 2018
Explores how natural settings mirror characters' inner desires and struggles, using wilderness as a metaphor for emotional conflict.
In simple terms: Nature reflects characters' desires and challenges.
Key Takeaway
Use setting to amplify emotional stakes.
Themes
nature
desire
survival
metaphor
character
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
literary
analytical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- character development
- creative retreats
- story outlining
Key Concepts
psychology
symbolism
environmental narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wilderness shape your characters' motivations?
- What emotional conflict can nature symbolize?
A Different Perspective
Nature may oversimplify complex emotions.
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