Plot grows out of character. If you focus on who the people in your story are, if you sit and write about two people you are getting to know better every day, something is bound to happen.
This quote highlights the profound relationship between character development and plot progression in storytelling. When writers concentrate on their characters—delving into their motivations, backgrounds, desires, and flaws—they naturally generate a storyline that is authentic and compelling. As the characters become more nuanced and real to the writer, their interactions and conflicts evolve from genuine human behavior, which in turn fuels the plot. The beauty of this approach is that emphasizing character ensures that the plot arises organically rather than feeling artificially constructed; it becomes a reflection of the characters' inner worlds. The analogy of sitting and writing about two people who you are getting to know more deeply each day emphasizes the intimacy and dynamism involved in authentic storytelling. Over time, this deep understanding invites unexpected developments and richer narratives because the characters' responses are rooted in their specific identities. The idea resonates with the concept that stories are ultimately about people and their relationships; plot is merely the vehicle through which these relationships are explored and revealed. When writers invest in understanding their characters, they allow the story to unfold naturally, often leading to surprises and meaningful twists that resonate with readers. This approach fosters genuine stories that feel alive, where every action and decision is motivated by a strong sense of character authenticity. In essence, character drives plot, and investing in character development is crucial to crafting compelling stories that captivate and move readers.
