Books Quote by Tana French
“If you're writing a scene for a character with whom you disagree in every way, you still need to show how that character is absolutely justified in his or her own mind, or the scene will come across as being about the author's views rather than about the character's.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Likeness”, 2014
Even antagonistic characters need internal logic; portraying their perspective makes the story credible.
In simple terms: Show why opposing views make sense.
Key Takeaway
Give characters believable motives.
Themes
character development
empathy
conflict
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
creative
instructional
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- scriptwriting
- novel drafting
- character analysis
Key Concepts
narrative technique
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance character empathy with narrative intent?
- When should a character’s view be challenged?
A Different Perspective
Focusing too much on justification may dilute authorial voice.
