Character Quote by Elizabeth Bowen
“Characters are not created by writers. They pre-exist and have to be found.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Last September, 1929
Characters exist independently of writers; authors discover rather than create them.
In simple terms: Characters pre‑exist authors.
Listen to characters' inner truths.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- character interviews
- story brainstorming
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How to honor a character's voice?
- When to reshape a character?
Not all characters fit author intent.