Character Quote by Kurt Vonnegut
“When I used to teach creative writing, I would tell the students to make their characters want something right away - even if it's only a glass of water. Characters paralyzed by the meaninglessness of modern life still have to drink water from time to time.”
About This Quote
Characters need clear desires, even simple ones, to drive narrative.
In simple terms: Give characters immediate, relatable goals.
Key Takeaway
Write characters with specific, simple motivations.
Themes
writing
character
storytelling
Mood
playful
insightful
Type
creative
instructional
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- game design
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
literature
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What simple desire can reveal a character’s core?
- How to balance simplicity and complexity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑simplifying desires may reduce depth.
![“Thomas Jefferson High School [..] His high school was named after a slave owner who was also one of the world’s greatest theoreticians on the subject of human liberty.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/73a/kurt-vonnegut-41_freedom_thomas-jefferson-high-school-his-high-sc_9727.jpg)
