The quote advises writers to thoroughly know their main characters before beginning to write. It emphasizes creating detailed files about a character’s physical appearance, preferences, and backstory, even if all this information won’t be used directly in the story. This approach ensures that the writer has a deep understanding of who their characters are, which is essential for crafting compelling narratives.
Exploring beyond its surface meaning, the quote highlights the importance of thorough character development as a foundational step in storytelling. Knowing a character’s background and personality intimately helps writers to create authentic voices and actions that resonate with readers on an emotional level. This process not only makes the characters more relatable but also enriches the narrative by providing a rich context for their decisions and motivations. Ultimately, it aids in building a story that feels lived-in and believable.
The quote is from Jojo Moyes, a renowned British author known for her evocative novels such as "Me Before You" and "Still Me." Her expertise lies in crafting characters that evoke strong emotional responses, making her advice on character development particularly valuable to aspiring writers.
