Psychology Quote by Margaret Laurence
““And yet, for a writer of fiction, part of the heart remains that of a stranger, for what we are trying to do is to understand those others who are our fictional characters, somehow to gain entrance to their minds and feelings, to respect them for themselves as human individuals, and to portray them as truly as we can. The whole process of fiction is a mysterious one, and a writer, however experienced, remains in some ways a perpetual amateur, or perhaps a perpetual traveller, an explorer of those inner territories, those strange lands of the heart and spirit.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Diviners, Margaret Laurence, 1974
A writer must stay curious and humble, treating fictional characters as real people to truly understand and portray them.
In simple terms: Writers must stay curious and treat characters like real people.
Key Takeaway
Approach characters with empathy and openness.
Themes
empathy
creativity
exploration
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- character development
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
psychology
character study
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance imagination with respect for characters?
- What limits does a writer face when exploring others' minds?
A Different Perspective
Writers may never fully capture another's inner life.
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