I guess you could say that no matter what the characters are enduring, I try to make them retain their humanity. Their self-absorbed, grouchy, selfish, aggravating humanity.
This quote highlights the importance of maintaining human qualities even in challenging circumstances. It emphasizes that despite imperfections—selfishness, grouchiness, and self-absorption—acknowledging and preserving human flaws allows for more authentic storytelling and character development. Such an approach invites empathy from the audience, reminding us that complexity and imperfection are inherent to human nature, making characters more relatable and multidimensional. It encourages writers to embrace the full spectrum of human traits rather than portray idealized or flawless personas.