Skip to content

Character Quote by Emily Giffin

“To write convincingly, I think you must be able to relate, in some way, to what a character is experiencing.” quote by Emily Giffin
Download Open image
“To write convincingly, I think you must be able to relate, in some way, to what a character is experiencing.”

Emily Giffin

About This Quote

Source Novel: The One and Only, 2015

Effective storytelling requires empathy with a character’s experience.

In simple terms: To write well, relate to what characters feel.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate empathy for characters.

Themes

writing empathy craft

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing workshops
  • character brainstorming
  • editing sessions
  • author interviews

Key Concepts

psychology narrative theory character development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance empathy with plot tension?
  • What techniques help you inhabit a character’s mindset?
A Different Perspective

Empathy alone may not guarantee plot coherence.

2.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Emily Giffin

Explore all 324 Emily Giffin quotes

More Character quotes

Browse all 32,709 Character quotes