Failure Quote by Rob Parnell
““Many new writers make the mistake of presenting secondary, even irrelevant characters at the start of their stories in an attempt to set the scene for their hero. This is a mistake because readers generally have an automatic desire to identify with the first character with whom they are presented.””
About This Quote
Source Writing Guide: Character Introduction Strategies, 2018
Introducing secondary characters early can distract readers from the protagonist’s journey.
In simple terms: Early side characters can mislead readers.
Key Takeaway
Focus on main character first.
Themes
narrative structure
character focus
reader engagement
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
instructional
reflective
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- marketing
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
literary theory
storytelling techniques
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance world‑building with protagonist focus?
- When is early side‑character intro effective?
A Different Perspective
Risk of underdeveloped side characters.
