Character Quote by Robin Hobb
“When you are writing, you have to love all your characters. If you're writing something from a minor character's point of view, you really need to stop and say the purpose of this character isn't to be somebody's sidekick or to come in and put the horse in the stable. The purpose of this character is you're getting a little window into that character's life and that character's day. You have to write them as if they're not a minor character, because they do have their own things going on.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Characters, Robin Hobb, 2015
Every character, even minor ones, deserves depth; they reveal unique perspectives and enrich the story.
In simple terms: Give all characters depth.
Key Takeaway
Treat minor roles as fully lived.
Themes
character development
storytelling
empathy
Mood
analytical
inspirational
Type
educational
creative
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- role‑playing games
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
literature
psychology
creative writing
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a minor character’s view change the narrative?
- What techniques ensure each character feels real?
A Different Perspective
Focusing too much on minor characters can dilute main plot.
