I want to read about a character doing something fairly quiet where I can picture who the character is, and what their attitude towards the world is - which I'm a lot more interested in than what they do under the pressure of a gunfight.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation of the quote by Samuel R. Delany with bolded keywords:

This quote highlights Samuel R. Delany’s preference for exploring a character’s inner world and attitude toward life over dramatic, high-stakes action. He expresses interest in scenes where a character is engaged in something quiet, allowing readers to better picture who the character is on a deeper level. For Delany, understanding a character’s mindset and personality is more compelling than watching them react to extreme situations like a gunfight.

Delany’s focus on the subtle, everyday moments emphasizes the importance of character development and psychological depth in storytelling. He suggests that these quieter scenes reveal much more about a person’s true nature and how they view the world, which ultimately makes for richer and more meaningful narratives.

The origin of this quote comes from Delany’s work as a science fiction writer and literary critic, where he has often advocated for stories that delve into complex character psychology rather than relying solely on action or spectacle. His insight reflects a broader literary tradition that values character over plot-driven excitement.

In essence, the quote encourages readers and writers to appreciate the nuances of character and attitude in storytelling, showing that the quieter moments can offer profound insight into who people really are.

Would you like me to include examples from Delany’s writing or keep it focused on this concept?