Character Quote by Elizabeth Bowen
“Characters should on the whole, be under rather than over articulate. What they intend to say should be more evident, more striking (because of its greater inner importance to the plot) than what they arrive at saying.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The House in Paris by Elizabeth Bowen, 1950
Characters should be concise; their true intentions must shine through more than their spoken words, emphasizing plot significance.
In simple terms: Be concise; let intent be clear.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize meaning over verbosity.
Themes
writing
dialogue
clarity
characterization
plot
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- scriptwriting
- novel drafting
- theatre rehearsals
- editing
- directing
Key Concepts
Narrative economy
subtext
implicit meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you convey intent with fewer words?
- What risks arise from overly elaborate dialogue?
A Different Perspective
Over‑articulation can distract from core narrative.
