No matter who the characters are, you can strip them down and find small universal truths.
This quote suggests that nonetheless of the complexity or diversity of characters in a narrative, one can always distill them down to reveal basic human truths. These truths are worldwide, meaning they are shared and understood by all people, irrespective of their cultural background or personal experiences.These could be emotions like love, fear, joy or sorrow; experiences such as loss, success or failure; or desires like ambition, acceptance or redemption.
When Malone says “strip them down,” she refers to peeling back the layers of a character’s personality to reach their core essence. This process may involve analyzing their actions and motivations in diffrent situations until we identify recurring patterns that hint at some underlying truth about human nature.
In today’s world where diversity is celebrated more than ever before and narratives from previously underrepresented groups are becoming mainstream,this idea holds particular relevance. It reminds us that beneath our differences lie common threads which bind us together as humans.
Applying this concept to personal development could mean introspecting deeply into one’s own character traits and behaviors. By stripping away the external influences (like societal expectations) and focusing on our intrinsic qualities (like innate strengths), we can uncover our own ‘universal truths.’ These discoveries can lead to self-awareness which is an essential aspect for personal growth.
Moreover, understanding these universal concepts allows us to empathize with others better since we realise that despite apparent differences everyone grapples with similar basic issues in life. This empathy can foster improved relationships both personally and professionally.
Malone’s quote underscores the importance of recognizing the shared humanity underlying diverse characters – whether it be in literature or real life – leading not just towards greater understanding but also facilitating personal evolution.
