Books Quote by Salman Rushdie
“It doesn't matter whether characters are real people or not; if they're not vivid on the page, then the reader doesn't care about them that much, and, if the reader doesn't care about them that much, then they don't care what happens to them.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: "Midnight's Children", 1981
He argues that vivid characters are essential; without them readers disengage and care less about the plot.
In simple terms: Engaging characters keep readers invested.
Focus on character depth in writing.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- novel drafting
- editorial feedback
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance character and plot?
- What makes a character feel vivid?
Overemphasis on characters can neglect plot structure.