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Q&A Can I make a character make a philosophic observation or say their opinion, even if it's unnecessary for the plot/story?

Yes. These observations may not advance the story, but they are a part of this character. They contribute to fleshing out the character and are your version of "show, don't tell" - instead of desc...

posted 6y ago by Tom‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T08:26:50Z (about 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/34728
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by user avatar Tom‭ · 2019-12-08T08:26:50Z (about 5 years ago)
 **Yes**.

These observations may not advance the story, but they are **a part of this character**. They contribute to fleshing out the character and are your version of "show, don't tell" - instead of describing that the guy is always philosophizing, you show him doing it.

Also **yes** , if you, the writer, feel that this is something you want to share with the readers. Remember that the story is only the **vehicle of the meaning** that you are trying to convey. If this observation contributes to the underlying meaning, and can be given in this way without being part of the story, go ahead and do it.

For example, there is an entire second book hidden inside "1984" by George Orwell. Entire pages from it are read by the protagonist, and while they flesh out the background of both the world and the character, they are not strictly necessary for the story. But they transport the actual meaning of the book.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2018-03-31T23:35:19Z (over 6 years ago)
Original score: 2