In "Death in the Afternoon," Ernest Hemingway emphasizes the importance of authenticity in character development within a novel. He argues that writers should strive to create fully realized individuals rather than relying on simplistic stereotypes. By depicting characters as living, breathing people, authors can create deeper emotional connections and more complex narratives.

The distinction he makes highlights the difference between a character and a caricature. A caricature is a flat representation that often lacks the nuances and depth of real life. Hemingway encourages writers to infuse their characters with real emotions and experiences, making their stories more compelling and relatable to readers.