--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Character is the very life of fiction…" description: "\"“Character is the very life of fiction. Setting exists only so that the character has someplace to stand. Plot exists so the character can discover wha..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/931/john-gardner-3092_character_character-is-the-very-life-of-fiction-se_567452.jpg" --- # Character is the very life of fiction. Setting exists only… ![“Character is the very life of fiction. Setting exists only so that the character has someplace to stand. Plot exists so the character can discover what he is really like, forcing the character to choice and action. And theme exists only to make the character stand up and be somebody.” quote by John Gardner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/931/john-gardner-3092_character_character-is-the-very-life-of-fiction-se_567452.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/931/john-gardner-3092_character_character-is-the-very-life-of-fiction-se_567452.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/931/john-gardner-3092_character_character-is-the-very-life-of-fiction-se_567452.jpg) > ““Character is the very life of fiction. Setting exists only so that the character has someplace to stand. Plot exists so the character can discover what he is really like, forcing the character to choice and action. And theme exists only to make the character stand up and be somebody.”” [John Gardner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gardner/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Characters drive stories; settings and plots serve to reveal their true nature, and themes give them purpose. **In simple terms:** Characters are central; other elements support them. Key Takeaway Focus on developing deep, believable characters. Themes writing character development story structure Mood analytical inspirational Type instructional philosophical When to use this quote - novel writing - screenwriting - character workshops - creative courses Key Concepts narrative theory psychology Questions to Reflect On - What does your protagonist truly want? - How does setting reflect character? A Different Perspective Overemphasis on plot can eclipse character depth. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) ## Related quotes > [Whenever you deal with science fiction you are setting up a world of rules. I think you work hard to establish the rules. 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