Casts Quote by J. Michael Straczynski
“When writers don't know what to do with a character, they build up the supporting cast and universe to kind of hide that fact. After a while, you can no longer see the character for the underbrush. When that happens, you need to bring out the weed-whacker to clear some of that away so you can focus on the main character.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Comic Book Writers Forum, 2015
Writers often hide weak main characters by expanding side characters and world‑building, obscuring the core narrative.
In simple terms: Over‑expansion masks weak protagonists.
Key Takeaway
Trim excess to refocus on the protagonist.
Themes
writing
character development
story structure
Mood
frustrated
analytical
Type
advice
reflective
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenplay editing
- creative workshops
- editorial reviews
Key Concepts
Narrative focus
character hierarchy
world‑building
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify when a character is under‑developed?
- What minimal changes can sharpen the main narrative?
A Different Perspective
Removing side plots may reduce depth and audience engagement.
