Victor LaValle's observation captures the sprawling, dynamic essence of the Internet with a literary metaphor that resonates deeply. Comparing the Internet to a character-driven novel highlights how its vast, interconnected stories revolve around human experiences, personalities, and interactions rather than a single linear narrative or plot. In essence, the Internet is like a living, breathing organism made up of diverse voices, ideas, and narratives that collectively paint an incomplete but fascinating portrait of humanity.

The Internet lacks a fixed plot because it is not structured with an overarching storyline or purposeful direction; instead, it is shaped by the countless individual and communal expressions unfolding in real-time. This absence of a unifying plot reflects the decentralized and chaotic nature of digital spaces, where multiple stories, perspectives, and conflicts exist simultaneously. The lack of a traditional plot also allows for endless opportunities to create, remix, and reinterpret, making the Internet an ever-evolving cultural tapestry.

Moreover, referencing the "grandest character-driven novel" evokes both admiration for the Internet's complexity and a subtle critique of its formlessness. It prompts us to recognize the intimate human dramas, ambitions, and failures that define this vast digital arena. Yet, it also invites contemplation on the consequences of lacking clear guidance or shared narrative coherence in a world dominated by information overload and fragmented attention.

Overall, LaValle's quote encourages us to view the Internet not merely as a tool or repository of data but as a sprawling story teeming with personalities — a collective human experience that is enthralling precisely because of its open-ended and unpredictable nature.