Books Quote by Norman Mailer
““Characters in novels sometimes radiate more energy, therefore, when we don’t enter their mind. It is one of the techniques a novelist acquires instinctively—don’t go into your protagonist’s thoughts until you have something to say about his or her inner life that is more interesting than the reader’s suppositions.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Armies of the Night by Norman Mailer, 1968
Novelists should with revealing a character’s thoughts until they have something more compelling than the reader’s assumptions.
In simple terms: Share thoughts only when they add new insight.
Key Takeaway
Hold back inner monologue until it enriches the story.
Themes
writing
character development
storytelling
creativity
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
instructional
literary
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- teaching creative writing
- editing
Key Concepts
Narrative technique
psychology
subtext
Questions to Reflect On
- When does inner dialogue enhance a narrative?
- How can you show rather than tell?
A Different Perspective
Overusing internal thoughts can slow pacing and reduce mystery.
