Character Quote by Elmore Leonard
“The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in.”
About This Quote
The writer should let characters speak naturally, avoiding intrusive narration that dictates their speech.
In simple terms: Let characters speak; avoid authorial intrusion.
Key Takeaway
Show, don't tell dialogue.
Themes
authorship
dialogue
character voice
writing technique
narrative distance
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
observation
When to use this quote
- scriptwriting
- novel drafting
- character development
- editing dialogue
Key Concepts
character agency
authorial restraint
voice authenticity
Practical Applications
- improving screenplay realism
- enhancing novel character depth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does authorial distance affect reader immersion?
- When is it acceptable for a writer to shape dialogue explicitly?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that strategic authorial guidance can clarify ambiguous character intent.
