“the glory of the protagonist is always paid for by a lot of secondary characters”
Tony Hoagland
Tony Hoagland once observed, "the glory of the protagonist is always paid for by a lot of secondary characters." This quote highlights the idea that in literature, the focus on a main character often comes at the expense of developing the supporting cast of characters.
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Tony Hoagland, the playwright and poet suggests that the success and accomplishments of the main character in a story often come at the expense of the supporting characters. This highlights the idea that in narratives, there can be a trade-off between individual glory and the sacrifices made by others. The quote prompts us to think about the impact of ambition and success on those around us, reminding us that achieving greatness may sometimes come with unintended consequences for others.
The Sacrifices of Secondary Characters in Literature
In this quote, Tony Hoagland points out a common theme in literature where the main character's success or glory often comes at the expense of other characters in the story. This concept still holds true in modern storytelling, serving as a reminder of the complex relationships and sacrifices that can be found within narratives.
Reflection Questions
Tony Hoagland's quote, "the glory of the protagonist is always paid for by a lot of secondary characters," prompts us to delve deeper into the dynamics of character relationships in literature. Consider the following reflection questions to explore this idea further:
Can you think of examples from literature where the protagonist's success or glory comes at the expense of secondary characters? How does this impact the overall narrative?
How do secondary characters contribute to the development of the protagonist's character arc? In what ways do they influence or shape the protagonist's journey?
Reflect on your favorite stories or novels. How do secondary characters enhance the richness and depth of the protagonist's journey? What insights can be gained from examining the interactions between the protagonist and secondary characters?
In your opinion, how important are secondary characters in shaping the overall impact and message of a story? How do they add to the complexity and realism of the protagonist's experiences?
Similar quotes
“I want to write a short story where the protagonist is a globe, and all the secondary, or “flat” characters, are all maps. It’ll be a story about boundaries.”
“Miss Lea, it doesn't do to get attached to these secondary characters. It's not their story.”
“The apostles had no gold, but lots of glory. We have lots of gold, but no glory.”
“Word to the wise writer...never underestimate your secondary characters! But watch them...they sneak off with stuff.”
“As women, we are the protagonists of our own personal novels. We are called upon to be the heroines of our own lives, not supporting characters.”