Always Quote by Stephen Lang
“I always have a contract with a character. Even when he's unappealing. The contract is to give him his due. To tell his story. And to keep his secrets.”
About This Quote
Source Film: The Last of the Mohicans, 1992
A creator must honor the integrity of every character, even those who are flawed, by revealing their story and protecting their secrets.
In simple terms: Respect all characters, good or bad.
Key Takeaway
Treat every character fairly.
Themes
integrity
storytelling
character development
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing scripts
- novel writing
- character analysis
- film direction
- role playing
Key Concepts
narrative ethics
empathy
truthfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance honesty with audience appeal?
- When should a character’s secrets stay hidden?
A Different Perspective
Some audiences may reject unlikable characters, limiting impact.
