--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Always I find when I begin to write there…" description: "\"“Always I find when I begin to write there is one character who obstinately will not come alive...He never does the unexpected thing, he never surprise..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/688/graham-greene-441_quote_always-i-find-when-i-begin-to-write-ther_1695488.jpg" --- # Always I find when I begin to write there is one character… ![“Always I find when I begin to write there is one character who obstinately will not come alive...He never does the unexpected thing, he never surprises me, he never takes charge. Every other character helps, he only hinders. And yet one cannot do without him. I can imagine a God feeling in just…” quote by Graham Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/688/graham-greene-441_quote_always-i-find-when-i-begin-to-write-ther_1695488.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/688/graham-greene-441_quote_always-i-find-when-i-begin-to-write-ther_1695488.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/688/graham-greene-441_quote_always-i-find-when-i-begin-to-write-ther_1695488.jpg) > ““Always I find when I begin to write there is one character who obstinately will not come alive...He never does the unexpected thing, he never surprises me, he never takes charge. Every other character helps, he only hinders. And yet one cannot do without him. I can imagine a God feeling in just that way about some of us. The saints, one would suppose, in a sense create themselves. They come alive. They are capable of the surprising act or word. The stand outside the plot, unconditioned by it. But we have to be pushed around. We have the obstinancy of non-existence. We are inextricably bound to the plot, and wearily God forces us, here and there, according to his intention, characters without poetry, without free will, whose only importance is that somewhere, at some time, we help to furnish the scene in which a living character moves and speaks, perhaps the saints with the opportunities for their free will.”” [Graham Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/graham-greene/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A stubborn, non‑conforming character represents the essential, often invisible, forces that shape narrative and life. **In simple terms:** The hindering character is vital. Key Takeaway Recognize and integrate the disruptive element. Themes writing character development creativity Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - Novel drafting - screenwriting - personal introspection - team dynamics Key Concepts Narrative theory free will existentialism Questions to Reflect On - What role does resistance play in your work? - How can you transform obstacles into catalysts? A Different Perspective Such characters may cause paralysis if not balanced. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [My primary intention is to put myself in characters that would take me to new places and keep myself satisfied.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arjun-mathur/my-primary-intention-is-to-put-myself-in-characters-that-would-take/) [Arjun Mathur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arjun-mathur/) > [I'm really not livable with when I'm rehearsing because I'm living the character.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-sinden/i-m-really-not-livable-with-when-i-m-rehearsing-because-i-m-living/) [Donald Sinden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-sinden/) > [I believe in living the character whether it's in films or television.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sara-khan/i-believe-in-living-the-character-whether-it-s-in-films-or-television/) [Sara Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sara-khan/) > [“Your story is not a picture of life; it lacks the elements of truth. 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