Quotes Meaning

"I do feel like anything benefits from character logic. That can be from the dumbest ad to the greatest Shakespearean drama to the silliest ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch. There is a certain specificity in detail, which you can get when you’re paying attention to stuff like that."

- David Harbour

American actor David Harbour, who is most recognized for his portrayals of Jim Hopper in the Netflix series "Stranger Things" and James "Hawkeye" Barton in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has a strong sense of narrative. He discussed in one of his interviews the importance of character logic in all media, including Shakespearean plays and commercials.

Regardless of the genre or scale, Harbour thinks that when characters act rationally within their world, the audience can relate to them more and find the story more credible. Every character must act and react in a way that is consistent with who they are and what their circumstances require, much like every piece in a complicated puzzle must fit precisely for the entire picture to make sense.

This concept is similar to baking bread in that creating a compelling character necessitates a careful blending of background, motivations, and context, just as making the ideal loaf requires the right ingredients in exact measurements and following certain instructions. Every character feels genuine and approachable thanks to this attention to detail, whether it's a toothpaste commercial or a deep story about love and loss.

Harbour highlights the value of consistency in storytelling by stressing character logic, implying that strong foundations—no matter how small or large they may appear—are the cornerstone of any successful story. In order to ensure that every detail adds to a coherent and captivating story, this philosophy encourages creators to closely examine the backstories, desires, fears, and eccentricities of their characters.

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