--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Usually there is a paradox in what a…" description: "\"Usually there is a paradox in what a character wants. A conflict is built deeply within them. And then you put them in motion, throw everything at them..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b11/dana-spiotta-11381_built_usually-there-is-a-paradox-in-what-a-cha_674864.jpg" --- # Usually there is a paradox in what a character wants. A… ![“Usually there is a paradox in what a character wants. A conflict is built deeply within them. And then you put them in motion, throw everything at them until they reveal themselves further.” quote by Dana Spiotta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b11/dana-spiotta-11381_built_usually-there-is-a-paradox-in-what-a-cha_674864.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b11/dana-spiotta-11381_built_usually-there-is-a-paradox-in-what-a-cha_674864.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b11/dana-spiotta-11381_built_usually-there-is-a-paradox-in-what-a-cha_674864.jpg) > “Usually there is a paradox in what a character wants. A conflict is built deeply within them. And then you put them in motion, throw everything at them until they reveal themselves further.” [Dana Spiotta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dana-spiotta/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Characters often have hidden desires that create internal conflict, revealed through challenges they face. **In simple terms:** Inner conflict drives character growth. Key Takeaway Create tension to reveal true selves. Themes character conflict development Mood analytical creative Type literary educational When to use this quote - writing fiction - character workshops - role‑play exercises - storyboarding Key Concepts Psychology narrative tension Questions to Reflect On - What hidden desire fuels your protagonist? - How does conflict shape their arc? A Different Perspective Over‑dramatizing conflict can alienate audiences. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Conflict](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conflict/) [Paradox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/paradox/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [The more a character wants and the less a character has the ability to get what they want, the more you have an endless…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-hirsch/the-more-a-character-wants-and-the-less-a-character-has-the-ability/) [Alex Hirsch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-hirsch/) > [“Here is nearly every story you see or hear in a nutshell: A CHARACTER who wants something encounters a PROBLEM before they can get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-miller/here-is-nearly-every-story-you-see-or-hear-in-a-nutshell-a-character/) [Donald Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-miller/) > [I think I gravitate towards characters who are slight outsiders. 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