Ideas play a role in fiction, but they are not the core element that drives the narrative forward. Writers should possess a creative mind, yet it's crucial to understand that ideas alone do not effectively dramatize a story. Instead, they emerge organically as the plot develops, allowing readers to derive their own conclusions and insights as they engage with the unfolding events.

In Stegner's view, the essence of fiction lies in the careful selection and arrangement of characters, settings, and actions. Rather than forcing ideas onto the reader, these concepts should subtly linger in the background, much like a haunting presence, enhancing the emotional depth and resonance of the narrative without overshadowing the story itself.