Change Quote by Catherine Drinker Bowen
“Writers seldom choose as friends those self-contained characters who are never in trouble, never unhappy or ill, never make mistakes, and always count their change when it is handed to them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, 1957
Writers avoid flat, trouble‑free characters because they lack depth and growth.
In simple terms: Flat characters lack depth.
Key Takeaway
Create flawed, challenged characters.
Themes
character development
conflict
realism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
educational
insightful
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- character workshops
Key Concepts
literary theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you give a perfect character a believable flaw?
- What conflict reveals a character’s core?
A Different Perspective
Flat characters can feel unrealistic if not balanced with growth.
