Capable Quote by Craig Johnson
“If there's a character type I despise, it's the all-capable, all-knowing, physically perfect protagonist. My idea of hell would be to be trapped in a four-hundred page, first-person, first-tense, running monologue with a character like that. I think writers who produce characters along those lines should graduate from high school and move on.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author Q&A, 2018
The author criticizes overly perfect protagonists, calling them unrealistic and tedious.
In simple terms: Dislikes flawless main characters.
Key Takeaway
Avoid creating invincible heroes.
Themes
literature
character development
realism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
literary
opinion
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- character workshops
- story critiques
- creative writing courses
Key Concepts
flawless hero
narrative fatigue
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance competence and vulnerability?
- What makes a hero compelling?
A Different Perspective
Perfect characters can alienate readers seeking relatability.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
