Denise Mina’s statement highlights a significant difference between written narratives and audiovisual storytelling when it comes to portraying internal thoughts or character development. In writing, authors can delve into a protagonist's mind to reveal complex thought processes and logical leaps that contribute to their growth and decision-making without disrupting the narrative flow. This allows readers to understand the character’s motivations and insights in greater depth. However, in audio formats such as voiceover narration or dialogue-heavy scenes, expressing internal thoughts directly becomes challenging because it can overshadow the external plot development if not handled carefully.
The deeper meaning of Mina's quote touches on the limitations of conveying a character's inner world through non-written mediums. While prose writing offers flexibility and depth to explore intricate psychological landscapes, audio formats require more strategic approaches to convey similar nuances effectively. For instance, voiceover might work well for brief introspections but can become cumbersome if it becomes too frequent or overly detailed. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between external action and internal reflection without losing the audience's interest or clarity of storytelling.
Denise Mina is a renowned Scottish crime writer known for her intricate plotting and psychological depth. Her works often blend elements of gritty realism with complex character studies, making her insights into narrative techniques particularly valuable. She has won numerous awards for her novels, including the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year Award and the International Dagger, underscoring her significance in contemporary crime fiction literature.