Books Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“No author can create a character out of nothing. He must have a model to give him a starting point; but then his imagination goes to work, he builds him up, adding a trait here, a trait there, which his model did not possess.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 1921
Writers need a model or reference to shape characters, then use imagination to expand them.
In simple terms: Models guide creation, imagination fills gaps.
Key Takeaway
Study real people to inspire fictional characters.
Themes
creativity
character development
imagination
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- character sketches
- role‑playing games
Key Concepts
literature
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What real traits make a character compelling?
- How can you balance model and invention?
A Different Perspective
Relying too much on models may limit originality.
