Being Quote by Deborah Moggach
“Don't start writing your novel until you know your characters very, very well. What they'd do if they saw somebody shoplifting. What they were like at school. What shoes they wear. Spend days - weeks, months - being them until they thicken up and start to breathe.”
About This Quote
Source Advice: Writing Craft Workshop, 2015
Deep knowledge of characters, their histories and habits, creates believable, living stories
In simple terms: Know your characters intimately before plotting their actions
Key Takeaway
Develop detailed character profiles early in the writing process
Themes
character development
storytelling
craftsmanship
Mood
inspirational
practical
Type
educational
creative
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- role‑playing games
- character interviews
Key Concepts
psychology
social context
detail orientation
Questions to Reflect On
- What essential traits define your protagonist?
- How much backstory is necessary for narrative momentum?
A Different Perspective
Spending too much time on detail can stall progress and overwhelm writers
