Author Quote by W. E. B. Griffin
“An author's characters do what he wants them to do.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Griffin Series, 1975
The author asserts that fictional characters are tools that act according to the writer’s intentions, highlighting authorial control.
In simple terms: Writers control their characters’ actions.
Key Takeaway
Use characters to explore ideas.
Themes
creativity
control
fiction
authorial intent
Mood
reflective
creative
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- story planning
- creative exercises
Key Concepts
narrative design
character agency
literary craft
Questions to Reflect On
- How much freedom should a writer give characters?
- When does character autonomy enhance a story?
A Different Perspective
Characters may develop unintended depth.
![“A great number of elements in the characters’ lives, both psychic and factual, are not communicated to us. […] These characters, I believe, enjoy a much greater autonomy than we usually think, and are able to take initiatives unknown both to the writer and the reader. When characters have their…” quote by Pierre Bayard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/558/pierre-bayard-29513_books_a-great-number-of-elements-in-the-charac_1030375.jpg)
