Ability Quote by Mel Brooks
“Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability to give them their separate names, identities, personalities and have them relate to other characters living with him.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mel Brooks Collection, 1998
Writers must recognize and name the many inner voices that shape a person, then let those voices interact as distinct characters.
In simple terms: Writers give inner selves distinct identities.
Key Takeaway
Identify and give voice to your inner parts.
Themes
identity
creativity
psychology
character development
Mood
introspective
creative
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- therapy
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
inner dialogue
persona
narrative voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish your inner voices?
- What benefits arise from giving them names?
A Different Perspective
Naming inner voices can oversimplify complex emotions.
![“Comedy is lively, comedy is joy, and that's what keeps us [people] going, we've got to look forward to little, little happiness's. Little, little joys, and comedy is very, very important, it's a vital. We underestimate its value, but we should see more comedies. Comedy is life giving, it's…” quote by Mel Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/936/mel-brooks-2308_believe_comedy-is-lively-comedy-is-joy-and-that_36043.jpg)
![“The audience. They see the name Mel Brooks, they want something really funny. They don't want to be moved; they don't want to be taught any lessons. [...] I get more letters for Twelve Chairs and Life Stinks than I get from any other movies, because people actually agree with the philosophy…” quote by Mel Brooks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/516/mel-brooks-2308_agree_the-audience-they-see-the-name-mel-brook_114482.jpg)
