Books Quote by Henry James
““There is an old-fashioned distinction between the novel of character and the novel of incident, which must have cost many a smile to the intending romancer who was keen about his work. It appears to me as little to the point as the equally celebrated distinction between the novel and the romance- to answer as little to any reality. There are bad novels and good novels, as there are bad pictures and good pictures; but that is the only distinction in which I see any meaning, and I can as little imagine speaking of a novel of character as I can imagine speaking of a picture of character. When one says picture, one says of character, when one says novel, one says of incident, and the terms may be transposed. What is character but the determination of incident? What is incident but the illustration of character? What is a picture or a novel that is not of character? What else do we seek in it and find in it?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of the Novel, Henry James, 1884
James argues that distinguishing between character-driven and plot-driven novels is artificial; both aspects are interdependent and essential to storytelling.
In simple terms: Character and plot are inseparable in a novel.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both character and incident in literature.
Themes
literature
storytelling
character
plot
analysis
Mood
contemplative
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading novels
- writing fiction
- literary criticism
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
interdependence
narrative theory
aesthetic judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do character and incident shape each other?
- Can a work focus solely on one without losing depth?
A Different Perspective
The distinction may still be useful for specific analytical purposes.
