Biographies Quote by John Sayles
![“I don't write [screenplay character] biographies beforehand. I usually go in knowing some sequences: this is where I want to start, this is where I want to end.” quote by John Sayles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/34c/john-sayles-12623_biographies_i-don-t-write-screenplay-character-biogr_1918491.jpg)
“I don't write [screenplay character] biographies beforehand. I usually go in knowing some sequences: this is where I want to start, this is where I want to end.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Film Director John Sayles interview, 1995
He prefers improvising character arcs, planning only the start and end points rather than detailed biographies.
In simple terms: He improvises characters, only mapping start and end.
Key Takeaway
Embrace flexibility in storytelling.
Themes
creativity
improvisation
storytelling
Mood
reflective
experimental
Type
advice
process
When to use this quote
- screenwriting
- directing
- workshop exercises
- actor collaboration
Key Concepts
narrative structure
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this method affect character consistency?
- When is detailed planning essential?
A Different Perspective
May lack depth without thorough backstory.
![“I read so ravenously that I would read through whole categories. I was crazy about reading biographies. [...] I think biographies are very urgent to children.” quote by Joan Didion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a53/joan-didion-497_biographies_i-read-so-ravenously-that-i-would-read-t_43631.jpg)
