Communication Quote by Robert Alter
““What this typographical distinction should make immediately apparent in the passage is the highly subsidiary role of narration in comparison to direct speech by the characters.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Biblical Narrative, Robert Alter, 1981
The quote emphasizes that narration is secondary to characters’ spoken words, highlighting the importance of dialogue over descriptive narration.
In simple terms: Dialogue matters more than narration.
Key Takeaway
Focus on character speech.
Themes
literature
narrative technique
dialogue
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
critical
educational
When to use this quote
- fiction writing
- scriptwriting
- teaching literature
- analysis of texts
Key Concepts
Narrative hierarchy
voice
character agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does dialogue reveal character?
- When should narration dominate?
A Different Perspective
Narration can still shape context and meaning.
