Argue Quote by Michael Ondaatje
“It's why you create characters: so you can argue with yourself.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The English Patient, Michael Ondaatje, 1992
Creating characters lets writers externalize internal conflicts, turning self‑debate into narrative dialogue.
In simple terms: Characters help you argue with yourself.
Key Takeaway
Use fictional voices to explore personal dilemmas.
Themes
creativity
self‑reflection
writing
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- journaling
- creative writing
- therapy
- storytelling
Key Concepts
psychology
dialogue
identity
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner conflict could a character help you resolve?
- How does dialogue with a character differ from self‑talk?
A Different Perspective
Characters may oversimplify complex inner conflicts.
