This brief exchange highlights a fundamental debate in storytelling: whether characters should be shaped to serve a predetermined plot or if the plot should organically arise from the characters' personalities and choices. The ellipsis at the beginning suggests an ongoing conversation, emphasizing the natural flow of ideas.
The phrase "you don't fit characters into a plot?" poses a common writing question, implying that characters are often forced to conform to plot demands. The succinct response "exactly..." affirms an alternative approach—prioritizing characters as the driving force, allowing the plot to evolve naturally from their development and interactions.
John Geddes here suggests that authentic storytelling emerges when characters lead the narrative, rather than being molded to fit a rigid plot structure. This approach encourages richer character depth and more believable, engaging stories.
“...when you're broken, everything gets a little honester - you make mistakes and don't give a damn - you give up on perfection, but get real...”
“...a little of this, a little of that - a little of me, a little of you - put it together what do you have? postmodern soup...”
“...You won't age? I promise you this - your hands will go shiny and transparent and at the slightest bruise they'll bleed...”
“...don't be afraid of going by a way you've never gone - that's the way we're all going...”
“...did you know that in your eyes there are bright flecks of green and orange - and that they are lovely?...”
“...I remember the oily smoke of a cigarette suspended in a shaft of sunlight - with you, everything was beautiful...”