Character Quote by Mark O'Donnell
“Everybody has parents. As a dramatist, whenever you write a character, you must write their parents as well, even if the parents aren't there.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Play That Goes Wrong, Mark O'Donnell, 1992
Highlights that a character's background includes unseen influences, urging writers to consider hidden familial impacts.
In simple terms: Write characters’ parents even if not present.
Key Takeaway
Include unseen influences for depth.
Themes
writing
character development
family dynamics
storytelling
Mood
analytical
creative
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- novels
- screenplays
- theatre productions
Key Concepts
narrative structure
psychology of characters
Questions to Reflect On
- How do unseen parents shape a character?
- When is it unnecessary to detail them?
A Different Perspective
May overcomplicate simple stories.
![“Writers are asked, 'How could you know so much about [fill in the profession]?' The answer, if the writing satisfies, is that one makes it up. And the job, my job, as a dramatist, was not to write accurately, but to write persuasively. If and when I do my job well, subsequent cowboys, as it were…” quote by David Mamet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/edc/david-mamet-1178_career_writers-are-asked-how-could-you-know-so_284790.jpg)
