I wish I'd seen, as I was writing it, that it would be much more effective if he motivation were love; that he does these terrible things out of sheer compassion. He's killing people in order to save their souls....It's much more interesting, because much more realistic, when there's a struggle between different goods.
In this quote from Philip Pullman's "Daemon Voices," the author reflects on his writing process and reveals a deeper understanding of character motivation. He expresses a wish that he had recognized earlier how powerful it would have been to portray a character whose violent actions stem from a place of love. This shift in perspective would add complexity and depth to the narrative, transforming the character's conflict into one between competing goods rather than simply presenting them as a villain.
Pullman's insight highlights the importance of moral ambiguity in storytelling. Instead of clear-cut evil, a struggle driven by compassionate motives creates a more engaging and realistic narrative. This complexity reflects the idea that the best characters often grapple with difficult choices, ultimately making their journeys more relatable and thought-provoking for readers.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
