Come Quote by Elif Batuman
“Anyone who has ever tried to plot a detective mystery knows that the hardest thing to come up with is motive.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Possibility of an Island, 2005
Crafting a mystery hinges on creating a believable motive, which is often the toughest element to devise.
In simple terms: Motive is key in mysteries.
Key Takeaway
Focus on character drives.
Themes
writing
mystery
motivation
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
creative
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- game design
Key Concepts
psychology
plot development
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your protagonist?
- How can motive be revealed gradually?
A Different Perspective
Motive alone may not sustain intrigue without conflict.
