I was eight years old when I got the talk about what to do if a police officer stops me. I was 15 when I was face-down on the curb for the first time.
Jason ReynoldsRead
I try to create characters people want to sit with, even if nothing is happening.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of relatable and engaging characters in storytelling.
Jason Reynolds expresses a key aspect of storytelling, which is creating characters that resonate with readers and evoke a sense of companionship. He highlights that it’s not just about plot or action, but about the emotional connection that allows readers to feel at ease with the characters, as if wanting to spend time in their presence, regardless of the storyline’s intensity.
Themes
CharactersStorytellingConnectionDialogueRelatability
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared in a writing workshop to encourage authors to focus on character development.
More from Jason Reynolds
All quotes →If a kid is reading a book about someone who looks like them but doesn't talk like them, we stunt their growth by dissing them.
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Having a superpower has nothing to do with the ability to fly or jump, or superhuman strength. The truest superpowers are the ones we all possess: willpower, integrity, and most importantly, courage.
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Hip-hop saved me. It gave me permission to use language in a certain way. It validated my community and my friends. It gave our slang a certain elegance.
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People always say time heals. Time doesn't necessarily heal anything. It allows you to manage things. There are occasions where you feel the pain as if it just happened, but you know that it's a fleeting moment.
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