"Many novelists take well-defined, precise characters, whose stories are sometimes of mediocre interest, and place them in an important historical context, which remains secondary in spite of everything"

This quote by Raymond Queneau talks to the idea that lots of authors take characters who are distinct and accurate, but whose stories may not be particularly interesting, and position them in a historic context. This context is essential, but it is not the primary focus of the novel. Rather, the characters and their stories stay the primary focus, although they are put in a historical context. Queneau is recommending that authors frequently use historic contexts to include depth and interest to their stories, but that the characters and their stories stay the main focus. This quote speaks with the concept that historical context can be used to enhance a story, however that it ought to not be the main focus.