Character Quote by Orson Scott Card
““Who hurts the most? In the world you have invented, who suffers the most? Chances are that it is among the characters who are in pain that you will find your main character, partly because your readers' sympathy will be drawn toward a suffering character and partly because a character in pain is a character who wants things to change. He's likely to act. Of course, a character who suffers a lot and then dies won't be a productive main character unless your story is about life after death. But your eye should be drawn toward pain. Stories about contented people are miserably dull.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Unknown, writing on character development
The most compelling protagonists are those who suffer, because pain drives action and reader empathy.
In simple terms: Painful characters engage readers and move the plot.
Key Takeaway
Create conflict to spark growth.
Themes
conflict
empathy
character arc
storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
instructive
Type
advice
literary
When to use this quote
- novels
- screenplays
- role‑playing games
Key Concepts
suffering
motivation
change
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑painful traits can make a hero relatable?
- How can suffering be balanced with hope?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on suffering can become melodramatic.
