"My stories are character driven"

The quote "My stories are character driven" by Terry McMillan emphasizes the main function that characters play in her stories. In literature, stories can usually be categorized as either plot-driven or character-driven. Plot-driven stories focus mostly on events and actions that propel the storyline forward, typically focusing on suspense, twists, and a meticulously structured plot. Character-driven stories, on the other hand, concentrate on the internal and external journeys of the characters, exploring their intricacies, motivations, individual development, and interactions.

By mentioning that her stories are character-driven, McMillan highlights her narrative focus on the personal lives and development of her characters. This approach allows her to dig deep into the psychological, psychological, and social dimensions of the individuals she discusses, frequently creating abundant, multi-dimensional characters that feel genuine and relatable. Such a narrative method often results in stories that resonate deeply with readers, as they are invited to empathize with and comprehend the characters on an individual level.

In a character-driven story, the plot is frequently a car for checking out deeper themes related to human experience, such as love, identity, family, and hardship. Terry McMillan's work often centers around these universal themes, using richly developed characters to attend to problems such as race, gender, and socio-economic challenges. Her characters regularly start individual journeys that reflect real-life problems and battles, typically undergoing considerable development or improvement.

Additionally, this storytelling approach allows McMillan to focus on nuanced, daily experiences, producing stories that prioritize the credibility of personal experiences over dramatic plot twists. Her character-centric stories frequently capture the intricacies of human relationships and the dynamics within them, providing readers a lens through which to explore their own emotions and life options. Hence, McMillan's emphasis on character-driven storytelling underscores her commitment to crafting stories that prioritize depth, compassion, and a real representation of human life.