Character Quote by Jesmyn Ward
“If I'm honest about the people that I love, then I need my characters to live through the same things that the people I love and care about are living with and struggling with.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 2018 New York Times interview, 2018
Writers should reflect the struggles of loved ones to create authentic, resonant characters.
In simple terms: Write from lived experience.
Ground stories in real emotions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- journalism
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect privacy while staying authentic?
- What ethical lines exist?
Balancing privacy with honesty is tricky.