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 readers care about characters, rewarding the good and punishing the bad; many writers instead want all characters to suffer together quickly.
- In plain terms
- Good stories make you care about characters; many writers just want everyone to suffer fast.
- What can you take from it?
- Engage empathy for characters rather than seeking swift collective downfall.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a character compelling?
- Is suffering always engaging?
Another view
Some genres intentionally use collective tragedy for effect.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
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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