Available Quote by Quentin Tarantino
“When you start writing, you have your characters on a metaphorical paved road, and as they go down it, all these other roads become available that they can go down. And a lot of writers have roadblocks in front of those roads: they won’t allow their characters to go down those roads... I’ve never put any roadblocks on any of these paths. My characters can go wherever they would naturally go, and I’ll follow them.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion on writing, 2023
Writers should let characters choose their own paths, avoiding artificial obstacles, to discover authentic story directions.
In simple terms: Let characters guide the story naturally.
Key Takeaway
Trust character instincts.
Themes
creativity
storytelling
character agency
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
creative
process
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenplay drafting
- character development workshops
- improvisational storytelling
Key Concepts
narrative flow
authorial control
organic development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance guidance with freedom for characters?
- What techniques help you notice when you’re blocking a character?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on author control can stifle originality.
