Best Quote by Gillian Flynn
“What I read and what I go to the movies for is not to find a best friend, not to find inspirations, not necessarily for a hero's journey. It's to be involved with characters that are maybe incredibly different from me, that may be incredibly bad but that feel authentic.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn, 2006
We seek stories that let us inhabit lives unlike our own, valuing authenticity over idealized heroes.
In simple terms: Stories let us experience different, authentic lives.
Key Takeaway
Embrace diverse, authentic characters.
Themes
identity
authenticity
empathy
storytelling
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- reading
- film watching
- creative writing
- discussion groups
Key Concepts
character immersion
psychological realism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does experiencing different perspectives change your self‑view?
- What makes a character feel authentic?
A Different Perspective
Authenticity may be uncomfortable or alienating.
![“I don't know who they are[my characters] . They're entirely invented characters. Maybe that's how I've been able to write so many books, because there are no boundaries for me. I can write a completely fantastical story like "Swept Away" or "Blinded by the Light" and then a non-comic drama like…” quote by T.C. Boyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ead/t-c-boyle-8108_able_i-don-t-know-who-they-are-my-characters_1148719.jpg)
