Chapters Quote by Kazuo Ishiguro
“I cannot start a story or chapter without knowing how it ends. ... Of course, it rarely ends that way.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Remains of the Day, 1989
The writer needs a clear endpoint to shape the narrative, yet stories often evolve unpredictably.
In simple terms: Knowing the ending guides the story, but outcomes can differ.
Plan your story’s arc, but stay flexible.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- storyboarding
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance structure with spontaneity?
- What if the ending changes during drafting?
Stories can surprise even the author, making rigid plans limiting.