Quote by Stephen Vizinczey
The only virtue a character needs to possess between hardcovers, even if he bears a real person's name, is vitality: if he comes to life in our imaginations, he passes the test.
Summary
This quote suggests that the most important quality a character in a book should have is vitality. Whether the character is based on a real person or a fictional creation, their ability to come alive and engage the reader's imagination is crucial. The quote emphasizes that a character doesn't necessarily need to possess traditional virtues or conform to societal expectations; their ability to evoke emotions, create a connection, and stimulate the reader's imagination is what ultimately determines their success.