Understanding a character deeply before weaving them into your plot can help prevent feelings of confusion or disorder during the writing process. This means that getting to know each character thoroughly—understanding their motivations, fears, and desires—is crucial before you start crafting their story arcs.
On a deeper level, this quote emphasizes the importance of empathy in storytelling. To create believable characters, writers must delve into their psyche and experiences. By doing so, they can avoid the pitfalls of creating flat or inconsistent characters that might disrupt the narrative flow and reader engagement. Furthermore, knowing your characters intimately enables you to predict how they will react under various circumstances, ensuring a coherent story with realistic character development.
Deborah Moggach is an acclaimed British novelist and screenwriter known for her works like "Cranford" and "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." Her extensive experience in the literary world underscores the significance of crafting well-rounded characters to achieve compelling storytelling.
