Admired Quote by John le Carre
“The creation of George Smiley, the retired spy recalled to hunt for just such a high-ranking mole in 'Tinker, Tailor,' was extremely personal. I borrowed elements of people I admired and invested them in this mythical character. I'm such a fluent, specious person now, but I was an extremely awkward fellow in those days.”
About This Quote
Le Carré explains that the fictional spy George Smiley blends traits of admired individuals, contrasting his current self-assured persona with his earlier awkwardness.
In simple terms: Self-reflection on identity and influence.
Key Takeaway
Personal experience shapes fictional creation.
Themes
identity
authorship
self-awareness
character development
contrast
Mood
reflective
introspective
nostalgic
Type
literary quote
personal anecdote
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- developing a character
- reflecting on past self
Key Concepts
fiction
spy genre
personal history
Practical Applications
- literary analysis
- character workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal history affect creative work?
- What does this reveal about the evolution of self?
![“[On her father's death:] Gone was the person who had known me better than anyone else on earth and who had loved and admired me unconditionally since the day I was born.” quote by Jane Brody](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/58e/jane-brody-43652_born_on-her-father-s-death-gone-was-the-perso_30254.jpg)
![“He [A. J. Balfour] was eminently one of the Cole Porter school of famous men, who only fell to rise again. Picking himself up and brushing himself down became a minor art form, ruefully admired by his contemporaries.” quote by Arthur Balfour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d36/arthur-balfour-15770_art_he-a-j-balfour-was-eminently-one-of-the_43746.jpg)
