Actor Quote by Peter Hedges
“GOOD AS NEW was born out of the idea of writing a play where the stakes were high and the collisions were of a verbal nature. Also I wanted to write a play where people were smarter than I was, and more alive than I feel normally. I became interested in the idea of characters who would surprise me. I guess one could argue that nothing comes out of you that wasn't within you to begin with, but maybe there are ways to trick yourself into becoming more an observer or an advocate for the characters.”
About This Quote
The author explores using high‑stakes, verbally charged drama to reveal characters more insightful than himself, suggesting self‑trickery can deepen empathy and observation.
In simple terms: Playwriting as a tool for self‑reflection.
Key Takeaway
Characters can expose hidden aspects of the writer.
Themes
self‑discovery
dramatic tension
character empathy
creative risk
Mood
curious
introspective
playful
Type
philosophical
creative
reflective
When to use this quote
- writing a play
- character development workshops
- actor rehearsals
- creative writing classes
Key Concepts
observer role
advocacy
inner dialogue
Practical Applications
- designing dialogue‑heavy scenes
- building character‑driven narratives
Questions to Reflect On
- How can confronting smarter characters change your own perspective?
- What techniques help you become a better observer of your creations?
