The test of any good fiction is that you should care something for the characters; the good to succeed, the bad to fail. The trouble with most fiction is that you want them all to land in hell, together, as quickly as possible.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Good fiction makes you care about characters wanting success, whereas bad fiction seeks only chaotic destruction.
- In plain terms
- Readers should care if characters succeed or fail, not just see them all get hurt.
- What can you take from it?
- Write stories that make readers care about the characters.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you care about the protagonist?
- Is the conflict meaningful?
Another view
Some genres rely on chaos for comedy or shock value.
More from Mark Twain
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Permalink to quote #135 I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position.
Permalink to quote #137 Drawing on my fine command of language, I said nothing.
Permalink to quote #134
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