--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I don't think about the stories so much…" description: "\"I don't think about the stories so much, as the characters themselves. They live on, and they are almost as real as I am.\" — Paul Auster" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b79/paul-auster-351_character_i-don-t-think-about-the-stories-so-much_2351073.jpg" --- # I don't think about the stories so much, as the characters… ![“I don't think about the stories so much, as the characters themselves. They live on, and they are almost as real as I am.” quote by Paul Auster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b79/paul-auster-351_character_i-don-t-think-about-the-stories-so-much_2351073.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b79/paul-auster-351_character_i-don-t-think-about-the-stories-so-much_2351073.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b79/paul-auster-351_character_i-don-t-think-about-the-stories-so-much_2351073.jpg) > “I don't think about the stories so much, as the characters themselves. They live on, and they are almost as real as I am.” [Paul Auster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-auster/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author values characters over plot, believing that fictional beings can feel as real as the author, highlighting the power of imagination. **In simple terms:** Characters can feel as real as us. Key Takeaway Create and respect vivid characters. Themes creativity identity fiction reality Mood thoughtful inspirational Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - writing fiction - storytelling - role‑playing Key Concepts character development authorial empathy Questions to Reflect On - How do characters shape your life? - What makes a fictional character feel real? A Different Perspective Focusing too much on characters may neglect story structure. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Characters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/characters/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“As long as there have been stories, there have been characters that refuse to stick to the outline.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suzanne-selfors/as-long-as-there-have-been-stories-there-have-been-characters-that/) [Suzanne Selfors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suzanne-selfors/) > [I'm absolutely removed from the world at such times...The hours go by without my knowing it. 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