The goal, I suppose, any fiction writer has, no matter what your subject, is to hit the human heart and the tear ducts and the nape of the neck and to make a person feel something about the characters are going through and to experience the moral paradoxes and struggles of being human.

In this quote, Tim O'Brien reflects on the primary goal of a fiction writer, which is to evoke an emotional response from readers. According to O'Brien, the writer's task is not just to entertain but to connect with the human heart, to stir deep emotions—whether it's through tears, a chill down the spine, or empathy for the characters' experiences. The quote highlights how the most powerful stories are those that resonate emotionally with readers, causing them to feel deeply for the characters and their struggles.

The quote also touches on the idea of moral paradoxes—the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience. O'Brien believes that fiction allows readers to grapple with the difficult, sometimes conflicting emotions and decisions that come with being human. These moral dilemmas and struggles create a deeper connection between the reader and the characters, fostering an understanding of the complexities of life.

The human condition is at the heart of O'Brien's work. He emphasizes that fiction writers aim to portray the multifaceted aspects of humanity, including its flaws, contradictions, and triumphs. By exploring the emotional depth and struggles of the characters, writers help readers confront their own experiences and emotions, offering them a lens through which they can understand and empathize with others.

O'Brien's quote captures the essence of fiction writing as an art form that seeks to make us feel more deeply, challenge our perceptions, and provoke thought about the universal issues we all face. It’s a reminder that storytelling is not just about the plot but about the emotional and moral engagement that touches the core of human experience.