I never work just to work. It's some combination of laziness and self-respect.
Harold RamisRead
My only conclusion about structure is that nothing works if you don't have interesting characters and a good story to tell.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A good narrative relies on engaging characters and storytelling.
Harold Ramis emphasizes the importance of compelling characters and a well-crafted story in creating a successful structure, suggesting that without these elements, any framework or methodology for storytelling will ultimately fall flat. This insight highlights how the essence of a story is rooted in the people within it and the narrative they inhabit.
Themes
StorytellingCharactersNarrativeStructureCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a creative writing workshop to emphasize the importance of character development.
More from Harold Ramis
All quotes βA psychologist said to me, there are only two important questions you have to ask yourself. What do you really feel? And, what do you really want? If you can answer those two, you probably can leave your neuroses behind you.
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It seems that, culturally, young people function more in groups. They know each other through digital media. All the young comedy people who work in TV are really used to working at the table with lots of writers around. They're comfortable in the group; they don't assert their own egos over everyone else.
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My characters aren't losers. They're rebels. They win by their refusal to play by everyone else's rules.
Harold RamisRead
Find the most talented person in the room and if it's not you, go stand next to him. Hang out with him. try to be helpful.
Harold RamisRead
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