Action Quote by George R. R. Martin
![“I don't like the strictly objective viewpoint [in which all of the characters' actions are described in the third person, but we never hear what any of them are thinking.] Which is much more of a cinematic technique. Something written in third person objective is what the camera sees. Because…” quote by George R. R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/170/george-r-r-martin-2-926_action_i-don-t-like-the-strictly-objective-view_234026.jpg)
“I don't like the strictly objective viewpoint [in which all of the characters' actions are described in the third person, but we never hear what any of them are thinking.] Which is much more of a cinematic technique. Something written in third person objective is what the camera sees. Because unless you're doing a voiceover, which is tremendously clumsy, you can't hear the ideas of characters. For that, we depend on subtle clues that the directors put in and that the actors supply. I can actually write, "'Yes you can trust me,' he lied." [But it's better to get inside the characters' heads.]”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion on narrative perspective, George R. R. Martin, 2018
The quote argues that third‑person objective narration limits access to characters’ thoughts, making storytelling rely on visual and performance cues rather than internal monologue.
In simple terms: Third‑person objective hides characters’ thoughts, needing visual clues.
Key Takeaway
Use narrative techniques that reveal inner thoughts directly.
Themes
storytelling
perspective
cinema
character development
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- film analysis
- novel writing
- screenplay drafting
- acting workshops
Key Concepts
narrative voice
show vs tell
dramatic irony
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a writer balance external action with internal insight?
- What techniques convey a character’s mind without voiceover?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on visual cues can miss subtle internal motivations.
![“The best writing advice I had was [in] ‘Heinlein’s Rules for Writers’ by (American science fiction author) Robert A. Heinlein. His first rule is that you must write, and I was already doing that, but his second rule is, ‘You must finish what you write,’ and that had a big impact on me.” quote by George R. R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/14d/george-r-r-martin-2-926_advice_the-best-writing-advice-i-had-was-in-hei_51395.jpg)
