Character Quote by Edgar Allan Poe
“In the tale proper--where there is no space for development of character or for great profusion and variety of incident--mere construction is, of course, far more imperatively demanded than in the novel.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary Criticism, 1845
Poe argues that in certain narratives, structural demands outweigh character depth and plot variety.
In simple terms: Structure can dominate over character and plot.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize narrative architecture when appropriate.
Themes
structure
character
plot
literary criticism
fiction
novel
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
expository
critical
When to use this quote
- Writing a short story
- editing a novel
- teaching literature
- crafting a screenplay
Key Concepts
Narrative hierarchy
form versus content
Questions to Reflect On
- How does structural focus affect reader immersion?
- When is plot depth more important than form?
A Different Perspective
May neglect emotional engagement of readers.
![“[E]very plot, worth the name, must be elaborated to its dénouement before anything be attempted with the pen. It is only with the dénouement constantly in view that we can plot its indispensable air of consequence, or causation, by making the incidents, and especially the tone at all points tend…” quote by Edgar Allan Poe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7e3/edgar-allan-poe-315_air_e-very-plot-worth-the-name-must-be-elabo_2310099.jpg)
