Artists teach critics what to think. Critics repeat what the artists teach them.
Sol LewittRead
It doesn't matter if your lead character is good or bad. He just has to be interesting, and he has to be good at what he does.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of a compelling narrative lies in the character's intrigue and competence, regardless of moral alignment.
In storytelling, the most captivating lead characters are those who possess depth and skill, whether they are portrayed as virtuous or villainous. David Chase emphasizes that it is not the moral standing of the character that determines their appeal, but rather their ability to engage the audience through their actions and personality. A well-crafted character can spark interest and drive the plot, leading to a more fulfilling narrative experience.
Themes
CharacterStorytellingNarrativeInterestSkill
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, when discussing character development, one might cite this quote to illustrate the importance of an engaging lead.
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