--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: First comes an idea. Then, characters…" description: "\"First comes an idea. Then, characters begin to evolve out of the landscape of that idea. And then, finally, characters dominate: plot is simply a funct..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f9/robert-harris-2039_character_first-comes-an-idea-then-characters-begi_1667041.png" --- # First comes an idea. Then, characters begin to evolve out… ![“First comes an idea. Then, characters begin to evolve out of the landscape of that idea. And then, finally, characters dominate: plot is simply a function of what these people might do or be. Everything has to flow from their personalities; otherwise it will not be emotionally engaging, or…” quote by Robert Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f9/robert-harris-2039_character_first-comes-an-idea-then-characters-begi_1667041.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f9/robert-harris-2039_character_first-comes-an-idea-then-characters-begi_1667041.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2f9/robert-harris-2039_character_first-comes-an-idea-then-characters-begi_1667041.png) > “First comes an idea. Then, characters begin to evolve out of the landscape of that idea. And then, finally, characters dominate: plot is simply a function of what these people might do or be. Everything has to flow from their personalities; otherwise it will not be emotionally engaging, or plausible.” [Robert Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-harris/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Storytelling should arise from characters’ inner drives; plot emerges naturally when characters act authentically, ensuring emotional resonance. **In simple terms:** Characters shape plot, not the reverse. Key Takeaway Focus on character development first. Themes writing character plot Mood analytical inspirational Type advice craftsmanship When to use this quote - novel planning - screenwriting workshops Key Concepts narrative structure character motivation Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance character depth with plot pacing? - What techniques keep characters believable? A Different Perspective Complex plots may still need structural planning. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Characters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/characters/) [Flow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/flow/) [Idea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idea/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Landscape](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/landscape/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Personality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/personality/) ## Related quotes > [Characters begin as voices, then gain presence by being viewed in others' eyes. Characters define one another in dramatic contexts. 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