Fictional characters are made of words, not flesh; they do not have free will, they do not exercise volition. They are easily born, and as easily killed off.
John BanvilleAll a work of art can do is present the surface. I can't know the insides of people. I know very little about the inside of myself.
John BanvilleThe telephone ringing gave me a dreadful start. I have never got used to this machine, the way it crouches so malevolently, ready to start clamouring for attention when you least expect it, like a mad baby.
John Banville